The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is still not forthcoming about its decision on whether or not Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf will appear before the Supreme Court tomorrow (Monday).
However, according to the Daily Express, it has been decided that the premier will, in fact, show up.
Sources are quoted to have said that the decision was made by the top leaders of the PPP and President Asif Ali Zardari has called a meeting of leaders of allied parties today (Sunday), where this decision will be discussed. The sources are also said to have revealed that, in case of an ‘adverse’ decision by the court against the premier in the National Reconciliation Ordinance judgment implementation case, the government would move to challenge the order – with the PPP’s legal experts saying the previous decision to not challenge former premier Yousaf Raza Gilani’s disqualification had caused a lot of legal problems for the government.
Allies stance
Ahead of Sunday’s meeting, the overt stance of the allies has thus far been clear. Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) led by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain opposes the premier’s absence in the court proceedings. Talking to The Express Tribune, PML-Q spokesperson Senator Kamil Ali Agha said: “It is our principle stance that the Prime Minister should appear before the court.”
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) also seemingly supports the idea, albeit in vague terms. “It is our stance from day one… Courts should be respected and confrontation should be avoided,” was MQM parliamentary leader Haider Abbas Rizvi’s response.
Awami National Party (ANP), however, says it will support any decision PPP takes. “Asfandyar Wali and Afrasiab Khattak will represent ANP in tomorrow’s meeting at the Presidency. We will support PPP regardless of what they decide,” said ANP leader Zahid Khan. ANP leaders have been critical of the SC, alleging it has been infringing upon executive affairs unnecessarily.
PPP’s radio silence
Reports also suggested that the PPP was deliberating over whether the government should write a ‘mild letter’ to Swiss authorities. Exercising caution, the PPP has remained tight-lipped about the decisions taken during a flurry of behind-the-scenes meetings on the matter over the last few days, which continued on Saturday. Key party leaders have abstained from talking to the media, dropping only vague hints on the issue.
The only comment that came late Saturday evening was from Moazzam Khan Jatoi, a PPP leader from South Punjab and minister of state for food security, who was quoted by a TV channel as actually claiming that PM Ashraf will not appear before the apex court on Monday.
PPP divided?
Sources in the ruling party confirmed that there is a clear division among the PPP leaders on the issue, since most of the party’s legal experts believe writing a ‘mild’ letter or at least initiating a process towards it could diffuse the situation for time being.
However, the party’s political gurus are still against this option, claiming it would have a politically adverse bearing on its affairs.
PPP leaders including former premier Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Punjab Governor Latif Khosa, Attorney General Irfan Qadir and incumbent premier Raja Pervez Ashraf himself are against his personal appearance before the court, party insiders claim.
Saturday’s meetings
Law Minister Farooq H Naik, who spearheads PPP’s current legal team, held a long meeting with PM Ashraf on Saturday and discussed legal points related to the case.
Naik already had briefed the party’s core committee when it met Friday night. Sources privy to the meeting said it mostly discussed the pros and cons of the option given by the SC to find some middle path on the Swiss letter issue.
“Beyond the issue of the premier’s appearance before court, the meetings revolved around SC’s offer to seek some middle path. We have to take into account both legal and political ramifications,” a PPP leader said. He said if the PM did appear in proceeding though, he would be backed with ‘solid legal points’ to avoid being charged with contempt.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2012.
COMMENTS (15)
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Sir So weary to hear the news from Pakistan ,which we consider as our own brother , Prime minister should appear before court and he should write to the swiss authorities ,to bring back the billions of black money the swiss have stalked, India would be the Richest country in the world if our money comes back ,and pakistan the 2 nd richest if swiss authorities help One day we will see pakis or indians waging blasts in swiss cities, I am afraid
Asif Ali Zaradari has brought these judges naked in front of nation, well done Asif!
Frankenstein of Corruption . . . another Great Game in the making :) Watch out !
Asif Zardari wants martyrdoms of more and more "prime ministers" (these guys are less prime minister and more like domestic servants of bilawal lhouise) to evoke sympathy of the people thus paving the way for his party to come into power again. The 'martyred prime ministers' should not be allowed to enjoy immense benefits as 'former' prime ministers.
@mikek
You talk about chaos in country. What do think this country has been undergoing since the last elections?
I big Joke and drama going on. The fundamental questions are:
1) How come convicted and a criminal became president? 2) Where was the Law at that time? 3) Who is responsible for placing him at this position? ofcourse NOT THE PEOPLE 4) Why after 04 years the drama being staged? 5) Is the apex courts so impotent they cant themselves disqualify a convicted person?
God bless pakistan...lets see the next drama episode 2morrow
we will stand by ANP
the supreme court has put itself in an untenable position by sacking an elected prime minister who otherwise could only be removed through a vote of no confidence. respect for the court can only be acheived through fair and impartial judgements and not by coercive use of contempt of court law. the courts prestige has been compromised to a large extent by the scandal involving the son of cheif justice. the judges are not expected to be arrogant and revengeful. it is still time for the judges to back off.
@A. Khan:
You are right Mr. Musharraf has no right or authority to do that. In case Mr. Musharraf did not do that then what happen - do the two big parties keep quiet and run the election without thier party head. Will not they create chaos in the country? Suppose the two leaders come without the NRO and the govt arrest them,, still will not create chaos in the country. What if America will not put pressure if the leaders arrested? Why people does not realise the consequences of that.
NRO was an promulgated illegally by Musharraf as he had no right or authority to do that. It should be struck down immediately by SC. Then we can take Mr. Z to task for ruining the country.
PPP intentionally jumbled the issue of appearance of PM in the court to make the nation fooly. It doesn't matter whether he appears or not, court has to stick to its decision given in the case of Gilani.
Not only Prime Minister but also President must appear before the apex court (with permission). Do not make a matter of prestige. Save Democracy, Save Country, wipe of the tears of nation and to win their heart.
PM must not waste time. There is no need to appear before a prejudiced SC. Restoration Notification of March 2009 was unconstitutional. It should be placed before Parliament without any further delay.
prime minister should appear before the supreme court