PM’s Coordinator for Tourism Sardar Yasar’s appointment challenged in IHC

ISLAMABAD -UNS:The appointment of Sardar Yasar Ilyas Khan as Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism has been challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) through a constitutional petition.
According to court sources, the petition contests the appointment made by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on July 9, 2025, terming it unconstitutional and beyond the scope of federal authority.
The petitioner argues that under the Constitution of Pakistan, tourism is not included in the Federal Legislative List (FLL) and therefore does not fall within the legislative or administrative domain of the federal government. The petition maintains that matters related to tourism are primarily within the jurisdiction of the provinces, making the appointment unlawful.
The petitioner further contends that neither the Constitution of Pakistan nor the Rules of Business, 1973, provide any legal framework for the appointment of coordinators for such subjects, alleging that the decision amounts to constitutional overreach and fraud.
Additionally, the petition raises objections regarding Sardar Yasar Ilyas Khan’s alleged meetings with Israeli officials, despite the fact that Pakistan has not recognized Israel. The petitioner claims that such actions are against the stated foreign policy of the government.
The petitioner has requested the court to restrain Sardar Yasar Ilyas Khan from performing official duties as Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Tourism until the final disposal of the case.
The matter is expected to be heard by a single bench of the Islamabad High Court, where Dr. G.M. Chaudhry, Advocate, of the Federal Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, will represent the petitioner.