While legal experts battle it out over the contempt verdict, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief believes Thursday’s court order against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani is straightforward.
Claiming that Gilani was no longer prime minister, Nawaz said on Friday that all orders by the premier after April 26 (the day he was convicted) were effectively unconstitutional and illegal.
Asking the premier to step down from his “illegal post,” Nawaz warned him against “unexpected consequences” otherwise.
“The court’s decision is simple … Gilani is neither the premier, nor an MNA,” he said, addressing a press conference. After the verdict on April 26, Gilani is no longer eligible to hold office or sit in parliament, he said. Referring to Gilani as the “former prime minister,” Nawaz said his continuation of office is “illegal, unconstitutional and unethical.” It was not a political case which has led to Gilani’s disqualification but a decision of the court to bring back money from Swiss banks, he added.
PML-N’s strategy
Calling the premier a “usurper,” Nawaz said that the PML-N will lodge its protest in all forms and at all levels. The possibility of a long march could not be ruled out either, he added.
He said the time has come for change and he would move against the government in order to protect the judiciary.
If the court had convicted Gilani and bound him to go directly to Multan instead of the Prime Minister House and the National Assembly, he would not have accepted that decision either, Nawaz said.
The government intends to degrade the courts and the PML-N would foil its efforts, he added.
In-house opposition
The Speaker National Assembly violated the norms on Friday and allowed Prime Minister Gilani to deliver a speech during the question hour, said Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
He insisted that the PML-N will not allow “a stranger like Gilani” to enter the house, or address it, when the session resumes on Monday.
PML-N’s central leadership and provincial presidents were also present on the occasion. The party’s central working committee would meet on April 30 in Islamabad to further devise their strategy, Nawaz said.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2012.
COMMENTS (21)
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Kill all members of both parties to save Pakistan
Not surprised…. SC is just keeping up to its reputation. 1. Okayed Ayub’s martial law 2. Okayed Zia’s martial law 3. Hanged a prime minister 4. Dismissed Benazir’s government twice 5. Approved Musharraf’s martial law 6. Allowed Musharraf to amend constitution 7. Allowed Musharraf to run for president while serving in army
Main sahib why your party is always keen to dislodge the ruling junta? When will we stop this leg pulling when we will come out of our egos and help this poor nation with sincerity? You are no different then other you are equally accountable for your corruptions and return of the looted money. Stop making the nation fool and playing with innocence and ignorance of this nation, think of the day when you will be in the court of Almighty you are also the bullet fired twice.
Dear n s please take the home work for coming polls if you are not fixed to just weep after results
I agree with IK in only one matter,,,,,, his introduction of word noora kushti,,, it is the most well organised kushti between PML and PPP
What good Sharifs have done to this nation.They havebeen primeminister and sitting chief minister.Why not PTI.Atleast they will be better than the worst i.e PPP & PMLN.Imran Khan has delivered when required.
How many times has Mr Sharif stamped his foot down only to scurry away quickly against this Government already? The memo gate, the Siachen, no confidence motions, before Senate elections, before Budgets .. he likes to take a jab in the dark, if it hits then good if it does't; never mind .. all of these power hungry fellas are a joke.
N League means "NO" we all need to say No to them and their dirty tricks...what we as a nation need is one more term under the great vision of Zardari, he is the father of the nation and our only hope...Long Live Zardari...
I hope this time the PMLN is not fooled again by Zardari league.
Mr. Sharif, does that mean that he should have attacked the supreme court like you did back in your second regime and maybe then, he could remain prime minister. What a joke Mian shab. Let the democratically elected government work instead of worrying about your chance at the seat.
You want election go and resign, why don't you use this technique?
Friendly march.
Nawaz has lost his steam big time and credibility too. He couldn't put a strong opposition neither he was successful in giving hard time. He will be remembered for friendly opposition of the world. What people will get to give him support when there is no hope in him.
PML(N) will play the main role as usual.... Nawaz Sharif this is the time to throw out this corrupt Govt.
Nawaz Sharieff is all noise NO action. he has been out manoeuvred.
clowns.....the whole motley-crew.
PML-N and its threats of long marches!
A long march from Lahore to the Constitution Avenue will be met by one from Karachi, Larkana, Quetta, Multan, Peshawar, Skardu and Muzafarabad to the Mall in Lahore. This time the oppressed nations of this country shall see that justice is indeed done.
Please don't show us WWF . . . . !!!!
Mr. Nawaz Sherif, there are no short cuts to road to power ;)
Nawaz Sharif is the only hope.
Pesky PTI and its confused trolls are only good at dividing opposition.