'Supreme Court cannot change Constitution'

Gilani expresses hope that the Supreme Court will not become party to any 'anti-democratic elements'.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that the Supreme Court has no right to make any change in the Pakistan Constitution.

Gilani was speaking to senior journalists in Islamabad today (Sunday). The prime minister also said that those who claim the government's days are numbered should bear in mind that no political party will tolerate extra constitutional changes. He added that governments cannot be changed through speculation.

He also said the deadline before which the Swiss cases had to be re-opened has passed. He also expressed hope that the Supreme Court would not become party to any 'anti-democratic elements'.

Gilani's words follow earlier statements by the parliamentary committee that drew up the 18th constitutional amendment, who cautioned the Supreme Court against undermining the parliament’s supremacy by challenging its decisions.

Shahbaz cautions Gilani

Chief minister Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif has advised Gilani to avoid a confrontation with the judiciary. The Chief Minister spoke to the prime minister over the phone this evening (Sunday).

He stated that the government should wait for the court's decision regarding the president's immunity before coming to a conclusion on the matter.