ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE: The prime minister, who was convicted of contempt by the apex court last week, once again struck a defiant note on Sunday.
No prime minister from Pakistan Peoples Party would write a letter to the authorities in Switzerland to seek reopening of graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, said Yousaf Raza Gilani.
The premier was convicted for his refusal to comply with a Supreme Court order which asked the government to write to the Swiss authorities following the nullification of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
In meetings with delegations of lawyers and supporters at his Lahore residence, the premier reiterated his decision to appeal against Thursday’s verdict of the apex court as “a contempt of court law does not exist in the country”.
However, he said, disqualifying him as prime minister was a prerogative of parliament “which is the supreme body of the country”.
Prime Minister Gilani also reacted sharply to calls from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) for him to step down immediately. He challenged the party, once again, to bring a no-confidence movement against him in parliament.
The premier went on to question the PML-N chief’s mental condition, and said Nawaz Sharif was ‘confused’ and was now confusing politics too.
Nawaz should keep his wishes to himself, the premier said and added that he would not resign to “fulfill someone’s wishes”.
He claimed that the PML-N chief was the first person to sign the National Reconciliation Ordinance and questioned the law under which he was allowed to go into self-exile.
The PML-N, on the other hand, clarified that it had never challenged the majority of the PPP-led ruling coalition but had questioned the premier’s membership in the National Assembly.
“It is not a question of no-confidence motion … we have never said that. We have challenged Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s candidature,” leader of the opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told a news conference.
“It is a misfortune for the country that both the president and the prime minister have been convicted by the courts,” he added. Responding to a question, Nisar said the government’s allegations against the PML-N leadership were aimed at diverting the attention from implementing court orders. The court had simply asked to bring back $60 million but the government made the premier a scapegoat, he said.
In order to substantiate his point that the premier should step down, Nisar referred to the disqualification of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif which was followed by the governor’s rule in the province.
“Had the government waited till the filing of a review petition when the Punjab chief minister was disqualified?”
Disapproving of the rulers’ claim of having public support despite all odds, the PML-N said a victory by 350 votes (provincial assembly seat in Multan) does not reflect public support. “General elections are the yardstick to gauge public support,” he said.
He also raised objections at the National Assembly speaker’s for allowing Prime Minister Gilani to address the National Assembly during the question hour session, while the opposition was absent. “This is against the rules,” he added.
The PML-N had convened a huddle to discuss the post-verdict situation, which is scheduled for Monday (today).
However, Nisar remained tight-lipped when asked about his party’s future course of action. “We have many options … and will utilise every possible option if orders of the court are not implemented,” he added.
(Read: Fighting over a verdict)
Published in The Express Tribune, April 30th, 2012.
COMMENTS (17)
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All the corrupt have joined hands.
For PPP, the party is more important than Pakistan. Treason much?
It is true, you cannot shame the shameless.
shame shame.......
Our next PM, Mian Nawaz Sharif will write this letter and Imran as coalition partner and foreign minister in his cabinet will take it to Swiss authorities.
@Imran: Sorry to say But PTI criticism of Nawaz like you did right now is out of my comprehension. You know the popularity of PTI is on a downfall after PTI is just on a criticism spree against Nawaz Sharif and even in this hour when Opposition needs to be stronger PTI is siding with PPP to criticize Nawaz Sharif. PTI should determine that they are with Opposition right now or they are happy to act as another Mercenary of PPP against Nawaz.
By giving such statement PM is trying to provoke Army and opposition's anger in order to make drama of another martyrdom and gain jahil awam sympathies. I wish Army doesn't interfere this time and let the PPP complete its tenure with Gilani being the premier, so no one will have any respect for them in upcoming election.
Gillani should never resign. Last time, when Hussain Haqqani resigned to avoid controversy, the court, the "analysists", and Pakistan Memo League started jumping around, and started saying that his resignation is the "proof" of his guilt. Given this mindset of the such politicians who have flourished under dictatorships, I urge the PM not to yield, come what may!
PML-N should have at least some shame. Just because it doesn't want to be called friendly opposition by Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif is crossing all limits of decency.
Have some sense, anti-PPP folks. There is something called 'due process of law'; have heart and let the law take its course. Let the cat be out of the bag fully, i.e., let the detailed judgement be out & let the PM appeal. Till then try to take a chill pill...!
It is judicial dictatorship where PCOs are being manufactured every day !
Time to wake up !
Judiciary has been captured by certain mind set which is absolutist with extremely high degree of egoist attitude !
I like the straight talk by Ch. Nisar
PPP has been pushed to the wall. The only choice is to fight back. Good job Mr. PM.
Mr. Gillani is the last Prime Minister of PPP, therefore question of writing letter does not arise.
I thought he was with the "awam", then why is he going against the awam. The Politcal world in Pakistan is so corrupted. Why can't we get rid off them.
Have some shame PPP