Gilani’s disqualification ends, free to contest polls

Says he might participate in 2018 elections from NA-151

MULTAN: The disqualification of former prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani to contest for parliament seat for a period of five years ended on April 26, 2017.

Gilani was disqualified from contesting a seat in the parliament from the date of his conviction (April 26, 2012) by a Supreme Court bench headed by Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry over contempt of court on June 19, 2012. He was convicted till rising of the court. The PPP government had not filed an appeal against the conviction.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Gilani said, “Although injustice was done to me but I stand for democracy.” He added, “Nothing has ever been proved against the PPP but party workers have always suffered at the hands of rulers and judges.”

“I was found guilty, convicted and disqualified as a member of the Parliament by the then judiciary. However, after five years, no charges were framed against me,” he said.

The PPP stalwart maintained, “The PPP respects the judiciary and accepted its verdict for the promotion of democracy in the country. We showed that even the prime minister could be held accountable,” he said.

When asked whether he will participate in the general elections of 2018, Gilani said he would comply with the party’s decision. “If the party decides, I might participate in the general elections from my own constituency NA-151 or any other constituency of Multan,” he pointed out.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2017.