Attorney General for Pakistan Irfan Qadir, who replaced Maulvi Anwarul Haq in April 2012, will continue in his office during caretaker setup until the President of the Pakistan deems it appropriate to appoint someone else.
"The appointment of the AGP is a constitutional appointment, therefore he cannot be removed by any other political entity; he is the chief legal officer and works under the pleasure of the President who is the appointing authority," advocate Chaudhry Faisal Hussain, who is assisting the Attorney General's office in various matters, told Business Recorder.
Faisal Chaudhry dispelled the impression that the President may be considering removing the AGP from the post after parliament completes its term, claiming that the AGP has proven himself as the most competent chief law officer. He further contended that the AGP does not possess any political role but performs a legal role under the Constitution and represents the federation as a principal law officer.
"The AGP has also established before the court that he is a completely legal creature who supports the Constitution and law," Faisal said. Former President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Muhammad Yasin Azad told this correspondent that the AGP can continue in his office as he has nothing to do with the caretaker setup; however, for a fair and free elections the caretaker setup can advise to the President to change the AGP. The federal government appointed Irfan Qadir as Chief Law Officer at the time when proceedings of contempt of court against the then Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and non-implementation of verdict on the National Reconciliation Order were entering final stages.
Under Article 100 of the Constitution, the President appoints a person as the Attorney General who qualifies to become a judge of the Supreme Court. He enjoys the right of audience in all the courts and tribunals and his job is to advise the federal government on all legal matters.