This happened on Sunday, when Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani claimed that, as “the representative of 180 million people”, he only had to answer to parliament – and not, therefore, to the army chief. Gilani also asserted his authority with a robust constitutional defence of his dismissal of Naeem Khalid Lodhi, the former defence secretary.
In what some have interpreted as a clear rejection of reported demands by Gen Kayani that the prime minister clarify or retract his criticism of the military’s Memogate replies, Gilani said: “I will not answer to a person. I am answerable to parliament.”
Gilani cited Article 91 of the Constitution to argue that ministers need only justify their words and deeds to parliament. He insisted that the house “can ask me anything at anytime”; thus, if asked to explain in parliament his comments about the army chief, the premier will comply.
Speaking to the media in the Punjab city of Vehari, where he went to condole with the family of Azeem Daultana, the Pakistan Peoples Party MNA who died last week, Gilani also discussed Saturday’s meeting between President Asif Zardari and Gen Kayani.
He denied knowledge of the details, but again attempted to dismiss the resulting media speculation as a storm in a teacup. After speaking to Zardari, Gilani said the “president denied that Kayani asked for any explanation on my comment, or that Kayani asked for any other statement from me.”
Gilani’s tone was that of arch-democrat, the honest politician acting within his limits – and merely asking that others do the same.
Responding to a journalist’s claim that Kayani was displeased, to put it mildly, with Gilani’s criticisms, the prime minister said: “I have never put any charges on Kayani and simply asked to observe the supremacy of the constitution and respect of law. All institutions are working in their constitutional limits and there is no confrontation.”
He used a similar approach when speaking about the recent sacking of the defence secretary. “I said just one thing, that rules and procedures were not followed … he was constitutionally wrong as he had violated the law, so I dismissed him.”
The prime minister last week said that the filing of replies in the Memogate case by Gen Kayani and ISI chief Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha was ‘unconstitutional’. The army was furious and issued a stern press release, warning of “potentially grievous consequences for the country”.
Gilani ticked off the military even more on Wednesday when he dismissed the defence secretary, Lt Gen Naeem Khalid Lodhi – who was hand-picked by the army – for overseeing the military’s response to the Memogate scandal with ‘gross misconduct’.
In a confident mood, the premier also spoke about the upcoming Senate elections, the length of his term in office and the prospects for a Seraiki province.
Regarding the Senate, he was adamant that ‘enemies of democracy’ could not derail the electoral process. When asked about his premiership, Gilani said the main issue was that parliament completes a five-year-term; in contrast, his own time in office was relatively unimportant.
“I never said that I will remain prime minister for five years because my designation is not important … parliament should complete its tenure,” the PM said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif responded to the prime minister’s remarks with indignation.
Shahbaz demanded that the prime minister immediately disown his anti-army statement and seek a pardon from the nation. He termed Gilani’s words irresponsible and alleged that they were delivered at the behest of President Zardari.
(With additional input from Abdul Manan in Lahore and Reuters)
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2012.
COMMENTS (51)
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@ET reader 24/7: But someone as political as the head of a party should not be president, because in a parliamentary system, president is supposed to be an apolitical figure. The real problem is that Pakistan's president is more political than the prime minister. It was the prime minister who was elected by the electorate, while the president was simply elected by an electoral college just to be a constitutional figurehead.
All civilian Heads of State of Pakistan should take an oath NEVER to extend the terms of any of the officers of their Armed Forces. They should be sent into retirement on the date of their reaching the relevant age. Period!!
If what I think you are thinking is right, don't even think about it because the people today are not in the mood to support the subversion of a democratically elected parliament, even if you get a court order. You owe it to your people, General. That doesn't in any way undermine our extreme respect for your and for your boys' valour and selfless sacrifices for the nation.
In fight is the best art of war through planted high position officers who have managed to break the troika at last.we ourself are the best enemy of this country.
Lets hope he has this much respect for the rule of law when his name is on the ECL and he has to be answerable to the people for all the money he and every member of his family have been stealing
@Siddique Malik: You missed one point though. Zardari is the chief of Pakistan's largest party. This, read with the 18th Amendments gives him legitimate powers.
Another logical question to Gilanisahab! Did Pasha hold a gun at his temple & did Kayani twist his left arm to force him to sign these two extensions with his free right hand?
I am sure Gilani is regretting his action that extended the terms of Kayani/Pasha and his inaction of not firing both after fiascos of Abbottabad & Mehran. They both deserve to be dismissed. Why did they not resign is also a valid question!
Presidents and Prime Ministers, both past and present, are human and thus have made their share of mistakes. The day we see these great leaders start apologizing for their mistakes regardless of who they are apologizing to, these leaders will rise to a higher level in the eyes of those they say they serve. Has not happened yet. Too much ego, too much power. No fear of God Almighty.
@Hafeez: Great comment! What a great thing the PM said: The representative of 180 million people is only answerable to the parliament. That's absolutely correct. I hope the PM maintains the same courage while dealing with Zardari who has no executive powers but pretends that the PM is his assistant. The PM should deal with both Zardari and Kayani with a position of strength. He has all executive powers and Zardari cannot tell him to do anything, and Kayani is his subordinate. Bravo, Prime Minister. Siddique Malik, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
@Colonel: It's inappropriate for the superior judges to be adopting an increasingly parasitical role I guess.
@Asad: Hmmmm. Good question. But do Mighty Lords answer?
Thats a great stand Mr PM. Please stay steadfast. People of Pakistan voted you into Parliament, not Kayani. Kayani is just a government servant and he should stay so. By the way PML (N) is really confused. Look at the latest statrement by Shahbaz Sharif that PM should apologise to Kayani for his remarks! wow...how can you apologise to your chowkidar for telling him to do his job.
@Hamid: A system where courts try to become in-charge of everything??????
Constitution states that PM is answerable to Parliament only and his Gov. should complete its 5 years term, PM dont be afraid of Judges you have 2/3 rd majority of Parliament in ur Pocket
He retracts his words so often & this time he will do the same or quit .Why army should meddle in dirty politics of fake degree holders, corrupt & inadequates,who have brought our beloved country to the point of failed state.
@Khawlah: People of Pakistan cannot support his lies, his corruption and efforts to save those who have indulged in treason against Pakistan. He should prove his allegations against the Army Chief and if these are proved then he should punish him. If the was calling bluffs and cannot prove legally whatever he had said against his own Army Chief then he should better have the moral courage to withdraw his statement. I am sure he does not have that much moral courage otherwise he would have resigned when his own ex minister had alleged his son's connection with the Hajj Scandal.
I think at last Pakistan got a PM who can withstand any pressure from the powerful military. Kudoos to Gilani
A system where the leaders openly reject the orders of the court.
Mian Sahib, wake up please, stop drinking Lassi in winter and stand up with Prime Minister to save democracy. Also stop Nikkay Mian Sahib his nonesense. Why would elected prime Minister appologize to Genreals. Nikka Mian has lost all crediblity to rule brave people of Punjab.
Mr Prime Minister, if you were 180mil people's PM you would have worked to enforce the Supreme Court ruling to bring back billions stolen from Pakistan treasury and hidden outside Pakistan. You represent only the top 1% affluent landlords while 99% are now in deep depression.
No PM Gilani, last 3 years you have only represented yourself, your boss or your closest friends in the Parliament and the Senate. 180 million deeply suffering people of Pakistan cannot take it any more. They want accountable and better performing leaders that take Pakistan forward not backward. Best you step aside.
Mr Gilani, you have played this game too many times.You stab someone, then you say you didn't mean it. Thanks to Pakistan Media, 180 million people cannot be fooled again & again. You are answerable to 180 mil Pakistanis through their elected officials in the Parliament. I seldom see you on TV "Interacting" with Parliament. It is only you talking. All we hear is you investing most projects in Multan. If you were people's PM you should have completely avoided Multan due to "Conflict of Interest".
In many ways he can be right, but the thing is if the Govt. Belongs to people why aren't they happy... People gave you mandate to not only complete the tenure but to bring prosperity... people might not know what democracy is but... being educated Gilani sahib you must know.... you are a follower of Z.A Bhutto. but there is no such co-lour. You say crows get together.. What a pity...
This is democratic attitude! With each passing day this govt inching towards more democracy. Sir pm may triumph be yours and subsequently us the civillians.
@imran 100% agree.
Yes Mr PM, you are only answerable to the Parliament. How about answering to the Parliament and therefore, to the people of Pakistan about your overall performance, resulting in the massive corruption in your government, poor governance, compete destruction of national institutions and almost collapsed economy in the country. Only two institutions are intact: the Armed Forces and the Judiciary, which fortunately are not under your influence to be compromised, aswell.
Bravo Bravo Gilani, stand by your words & we r with u.
Dutt Jao PM Sahib
Democracy does not mean completing your term in office, even if the constitution allows and protects it, at all cost. It is about delivering some acceptable form of governance. If that is not happening, Mr Prime Minister, you should step down and let the people decide again. All the talk about democracy seems hallow when one looks at your four years in office marked by U-turns, confusion and no policy about anything. You are a complete failure.
These are strange days. Justice has become tainted. Suspicion, hearsay, speculation, and newspaper clippings are considered as proof. One person is considered more pious than the other. The statement of one person carries more weight that the other's. Witnesses are not counter questioned for the accuracy of their statements. Remarks in the court talk about popular decisions, not the just decisions.
In these circumstances, the Honorable Prime Minister must not resign. Otherwise his opponents in the Supreme Court will use it as a "proof" that he had done something wrong that's why he was removed. Just like PCO judges remarked in the Memogate case.
Yes not to judiciary, Supreme court is making itself a political force
We can not afford PM who is not firm in opinion and who changes the fundamental position. Democracy and supporting government can not be synonymous all the time.
According to the constitution, every person and entity is answerable to the Supreme Court of Pakistan...
These unconstitutional statements of the PM seem like last minute "political" equity building tactics for use in future speeches...
And “people’s representative” don't come through NRO...
You are accountable as per the Constitution.
no mr. gillani you're answerable to the people.. and we all want you to leave now.. thank you
You are right but look what have you done to your people, is there any end to there suffering, your rule of nearly 4 years are the worse for the common pakistani, enough of this supremacy of parliment and Democracy and " Qurbany and Shaheeds" , this can not hide your corruption, incompetence & nepotism, please call for early free & fair elections under a care taker goverment and neutral election commission and let the people decide not the parliment of your cronies
Mr Prime Minister you are also answerable to Supreme Court of Pakistan,, excuse me
Punjab is born another great son after Nawaz Sharif to stand firm against establishment who wants to make Pakistan a garrison state.
........and the Parliament is answerable to the people. Is this the story line for the new TV series " Khawab aur Dhoka".
We are proud of your principled stand for supremacy of parliament, Mr. Prime Minister.
After long history of betrayals by big names of PPP from their Leadership, it is heartening to see Mr.Gilani making new history of loyalty with PPP and commitment with democracy. He is showing courage, which is norm of PPP's PM. Hats of to you Mr. Prime Minister! Your courageous stance and commitment with Democracy will always be remembered.
Would our Lord, the CJ ever like to appear before Parliament if called to update on pending cases where judiciary has failed to deliver timely justice, given their refusal to let Registrar, SC appear before the PAC of the Parliament headed by Ch. Nisar to clarify some audit observations regarding illegal expenditures by the Judiciary?
True. An elected Prime Minister is only answerable to the parliament and no one else.
PM, you sometimes say the right thing at the right time but all of your actions are not supported by your voters and majority of the people of Pakistan.
We are not debating but what people want is that your words should be transformed into actions.
Seems he's going.... that would be a win for the democracy, rule of the law and good for the Country....
Yes PM Sahib. Take a firm stand against unconstitutional acts from any institution and the people of Pakistan are with you.