Congratulating Awami National Party head Asfandyar Wali for moving the resolution in favour of democracy, Gilani thanked his party members, coalition members and the Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Islam Fazal for passing the resolution.
He denied that the government wanted a clash of institutions, that the resolution had been moved days before the Supreme Court decision.
He said that the message they wanted to give, to the world, call a session of the parliament and debate this important issue and pass a resolution that this is not a rubber stamp assembly, that the democracy was not frail, and that this Parliament was sovereign, and supreme.
Gilani, said that they [Parliament] were sovereign, “we restored the constitution, if there is no democracy, then everything will end - we all will go - not separately but everyone together.”
Government being punished for sins of NRO’s creator
Gilani touched upon the Supreme Court verdict in the National Reconciliation Ordinance case. He said that the current government was being punished for it, while its creator was saying he would return to Pakistan upon hearing a call to duty.
“Those who created the NRO, some are out of the country, the rest are here, Gilani said, before adding that if there was a question of justice then “the house wants to know who made the NRO? If there are punishments for those who benefitted from it, there should be some punishments for those who made the NRO as well.”
He went on to say that he had been summoned by the court on January 19, and respecting the courts, he would appear before it on January 19.
Opposition walks out
As the Premier started his speech, the opposition, members of the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz, and Pakistan Muslim League- Sherpao group walked out.
Gilani, though he did not refer to the walk out, did take a swipe at them. He said that he had become Prime Minister unanimously. While the opposition wanted to come into government after moving a no-confidence motion, Gilani said, "let me reminded them that they would need need support from the same house."
“We have a public mandate, you [opposition] should not disrespect it,” the Premier said.
“We do not need a certificate for patriotism from anyone”
Gilani also answered his critics who of late had called their moves akin to treason. “Before I took oath before General Musharraf as Prime Minister, I ordered the release of judges, do you think he would have liked it?” asked Gilani.
Adding that releasing the judges after winning elections, how could they be called unpatriotic?
He said that his 'species', which were loyal and were committed to the ideologies and their parties, were an endangered species.
Gilani said that they were committed to democracy, strengthen state institutions, make the Parliament sovereign.
COMMENTS (36)
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@SimHum: But in Japan, their leaders were not fired by their unelected judiciary or their army generals.
As far as I know, most democratic countries do not allow their executive branch leaders to be prosecuted while they are in office. What if Gilani decides that the chief justice is currupt or incompetant? Can he fire him ? Atleast the executive is elected while the justices are appointed. It seems that in Pakistan, only appointed people like justices and army generals have the real power while elected leaders are at the mercy of these two all the time. Maybe this is the real fundamental issue with the Pakistan system today.
Complete waste of resources. "God Almighty is the only sovereign being and democracy is supreme" is the first page of constitution of Pakistan.
Why cant they work on the issues rather making a joke of the country and themselves.
This government consists of amazing actors.When a resolution is passed against drones no action is taken. Everybody wants democracy. The problem is this government has failed to deliver. Our national institutions are falling apart and our president says on tv ' AAP KI NAZAR MEIN '
@Mirza: "Some people do not believe in the poor masses of Pakistan from the villages which form most of the electorate" you must be kidding us all my good man. Do you have any ideas of the voter dynamic of these villages you point out? You obviously aren't aware that the majority of the rural electorate in our country is controlled by a psuedo-fuedal oligarchy that sways the votes of these masses one way or another based on political alliances and personal agendas.
For all those lauding the supremacy of the constitution and crying long live democracy - take one good look at where our country is right now, take stock of national sentiment - heck, just take a look at out macroeconomic indicators. What in your opinion would be the socio-economic cost the nation must bear so that we can feel proud about how democratic our country is?
Bravo bravo mr prime minister, its democracy versus fascism of deep state. This country can only susrvive when parliament is supreme.
@TruthNFacts: My friend, I am humbled and honored by your comments. I have been a fighter for the poor mases of Pakistan all my life and I am proud of that. No compromise on principle and no ifs and buts here. I have never been a member of any political party of Pakistan but always supported and voted for secular and democratic forces. When I would be on death bed I would have full satisfiction that I did not do anything wrong and always sided with the poor and weak. May God bless you and Pakistan, Thanks and regards, Mirza
None of my business but this is good news! Democracy should prevail and for the first time in the History of Pakistan (if I am not mistaken) please let a people mandated democratically elected government complete its full tenure of 5 years! The hawks like Imran Khan and others are just trying to ride the wave, which they are effortless riding on currently due to the scandals prevailing in Pakistan.
Let the courts unbiasedly decide on memogate and other key issues of national importance keeping within the constitutional frame work of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
I dont know whether its the right thing to say or not but my perception here is that the people who voted PPP to power are currently keeping a low profile in fear of being subjugated by other citizens of Pakistan who have fallen prey to emotional (read nonsense) talks doing the rounds in the media and living rooms alike; else there would have been 5 voices in favor of each 1 being in a nay.
What an irony, these shameless politicians have declared themselves to be the guardian of Democracy, and if any one talks about removing them from the office he is against democracy. In Japan more than 3 governments changed in one year since they were unable to deliver no body cried their Democracy in danger, it is a part of democracy if you fail to deliver you shall leave the office. Some how the idiotic politicians here feel that they have some how god given right to screw this nation for Five years not a day less. They are morons no doubt but what about numbskulls who actually support this absurd claim. For gods sake Gilani you have served us too well please go now please.
As a PML(N) supporter, I am ashamed of Mian Sahib. I think there was a secret clause in his agreement with Musharaf that after ten years of exile, he will also never make a sensible political move.
Congratulations to the people of Pakistan,
Every day that this government continues to function as part of its mandate, is a day to rejoice for the people of Pakistan. Three main parties representing all the ethnic provinces of Pakistan have come together again to continue with the Quaid's dream of a democratic Pakistan. Judicial activism beyond the constitutional mandate alloted to the Judiciary may at times hinder democracy. The Army's claim to a special place in controlled democracy may soon be a thing of the past. Let the Senate elections be the next step for the consolidation of democracy. Hopefully the next government will be an even more representative coalition, including TIP. Let the will of the people prevail.
@Ali Wazir: Zaradari Zindabad Gilani Zindabad PPP Zindabad
@Mirza: Dear Mirza, I must say that your above posts, both of them, are extremely rational and timely. For a bunch of thugs, people's choice and mandate have no respect and worth. The indefatigable advocates of anti-democracy always seek undemocratic tactics to come to power, surely via back doors. The security establishment has always landed their iron hands to these elements in the name of GREATER NATIONAL INTEREST. It's a coalition of corrupt judges of supreme court, religious thugs, and the army. They have interrupted democratic process so many times in the history of this country and they will miss any opportunity to repeat it once more. I am happy to see the recent developments, the struggle of restoration of people's supremacy, will definitely strengthen the civilian and civilized rule in this country. A time will come when the accountability of corrupt anti-people elements will be carried out by democratic governments.
LOL "He said that his ‘species’, which were loyal and were committed to the ideologies and their parties, were an endangered species." PM Gilani Member of Zia's Cabinet, PPP PM, NRO beneficiary
I hope his species does go extinct one day i.e corrupt two bit opportunists sucking Pakistan dry..
Who cares? All are same.
@Mango Man: Dear sweet mango, don't worry harry porter will soon change the destiny of poor masses with his magic. . .!!!!
And what on earth is Pakistan Muslim League Sherpao?
Democracy, all around :-p
Vote for which democratic government??? Democratic government whose prime minister are declared a dishonest man by the SC and also summoned contempt of court. Democratic government who broke all the records of corruption. Democratic government who is directly seems to be involved in memo scandal. Democratic government who is totally fail to provide security to people. Democratic government whose officials are getting rich day by day and people of Pakistan crying for food. That's why our PM and president say parliament is supreme. This parliament is supreme who supports this democracy?? Alas!
@Umer: Thank you Umer! Some people do not believe in the poor masses of Pakistan from the villages which form most of the electorate. They are the silent majority and vote in large numbers. Who are we not to respect them and their choices? Accepting the will of the people is difficult to digest for many urban elites in Pakistan. Thanks and regards, Mirza
@PP (Punjabi Pakistani): Dear Punjabi Pakistani, I am proud of your forward and democratic thinking. The current govt is not just PPP govt that they have come via backdoor. It is a coalition govt of more than three national and sizeable secular parties. That is the only reason they can prove their majority in N.A. The moment they lose their majority, early elections would be called if no other party could show its majority in the assembly. We have to learn to wait for their term to end for the next elections. The army generals have raided democracy several times with the same excuses of corruption and stability. They have to think about a new excuse. Coalition govt was elected not due to faulty voter's lists prepared for the benefit of gen Mush but despite of that they were elected. With the new and more neutral lists, the coalition is only going to get more seats in the next elections. That is why some unelected are trying quick backdoor approach to power. Thanks and regards, Mirza
Great work done by the Parliament. PML (N) is exposed yet again and they have proved that they are a pro-establishment and anti-democratic party!
Does the vast majority of his populace know where the money in the name of defence budget goes? No. See the bigger problem?
@ali: If you are not against democracy then why dont wait till the term of this govt is over & bring back another one. Also if you have sufficient nos in the parliament bring no confidence motion and pack this govt. Why use back door channels with the help of other institutions ??
Well done democracy of Pakistan. Another landmark achievement in the history of Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan was among those three countries of the world, which are ruled by military junta. But in year 2007, matchless sacrifice of Benazir Bhutto brought democracy in Pakistan and at this stage ruling coalition seems to be much mature than opposition parties. Ruling coalition is steadfast to safeguard democracy of Pakistan, it would be no wrong to say that ruling coalition has proved to be custodian of democracy. List of countries ruled by military junta is restricted to two. Congratulations to ruling caolition and all well wishers of democracy of Pakistan.
@ali: you are just in fav. of ARMY and then harry potter aka IK
SHAMocracy
What democracy? Does the honourable PM realise that a vast majority of his populace wouldn't even know what this 'pro-democracy bill' really entails? The rest, of course know how the political guns are being fired relentlessly on the shoulders of this word.
ANy one please tell us.. what is good in it about ordinary people... please never say its in benefit of people in long run.. ordinary people do not think who the hell is supreme, rather who give them ROTI< KAPRA: MAKAN... whether it be parliament, judiciary, or army. please please stop this ridicule. ... oh My God.. what is goiing to happen to our country...
This should prove who is for democracy and who is not. Leve the elected govt alone and let them complete its legitimate term. As soon as the electrol lists are final (according to the wishes of PTI and SC) there should be new elections. Using the bogus lists prepared under a military dictator is not in the interest of democracy and the country. Well done PM sir.
See the problem no one is against democracy. We are against corrupt govt. of PPP. We want new elections since the govt has failed. Why is that when someone talk against the govt. of PPP, they start talking about derailing the systems.
Democracy Rox!!!