Retired military high-ups urge govt to write to Swiss authorities
Expressing deep concern and dismay over the environment created after confrontation between judiciary and the executive in contempt of court case, Members of Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association said, “If the claim regarding international immunity to president is correct, then the government could simultaneously write another letter invoking the relevant law regarding immunity.”
In a statement sent to The Express Tribune, they said, “In our view, the letter will in no way violate the claim that the president enjoys world-wide immunity against any trial. That letter is only meant to cancel an earlier letter about promulgation of NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance] and inform Swiss authorities that it was no more a valid law as it has been declared void ab initio by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.”
They added that there was no doubt that Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has a right to appeal against the court’s judgment but it must be realised that Gilani has “himself invited this judgment due to his flagrant violation of the Supreme Court’s unambiguous orders to write a letter to Swiss authorities that the NRO Ordinance was no more a valid law.”
They said that the government is clearly on the ‘wrong foot’ in its claim that it was doing so to protect the Constitution.
“There should be no doubt about the fact that Supreme Court is the sole arbiter of the Constitution and its interpretation is final. We, therefore, urge upon the government to put an end to the prevailing environment of confrontation and honour judgments of the Supreme Court in letter and spirit. Otherwise, the government's reaction to the decision of the Supreme Court will indicate that its claims about democracy, rule of law and respect for judiciary are nothing but a shame,” the statement said.
COMMENTS (7)
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@Mohammad: Well said!
And who should we write to about these Retired military high-ups of the country....?
@himidik.
why do these dictate terms – in the presense of state institutions !
Notwithstanding anything that they may have done during past military governments, as civilians now and as free citizens of a democratic country they have every right to urge, advice, ask, suggest and demand what ever the so wish from/to the government. There is something called freedom of speech, and being an ex-service member doesn't take away from you that right!
faultlessly stated.
At least it's obvious the retired ones still have a superiority complex.
who are these 'high ups' arent these too late? why do these dictate terms - in the presense of state institutions !
If courts in past had punished these abrogators of constitution, no Gillani or Zardari could have disrespected courts.