Media watch: Salvaging 'democracy'

The Supreme Court gives the government another chance as the 'supreme leaders' get together to talk democracy.

Media watch is a daily round-up of key articles featured on news websites, hand-picked by The Express Tribune web staff.

Danger averted till October 13

The Supreme Court on Monday accepted the government plea to adjourn the hearing of the suo motu case till October 13, against non-implementation of the court’s verdict on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and announced resumption of hearing on the Federation’s review petition on the NRO. In a surprising move, the government, instead of producing the contents of the summary moved to prime minister on the issue of opening of Swiss cases before the Supreme Court, sought an adjournment of the hearing till the final decision of the court on the Federation’s review petition against the December 16, 2009 order of the apex court. The court had declared the NRO ultra-vires of the Constitution. Sohail Khan (thenews.com.pk)

Trio vows to protect democratic system

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and army chief General Ashfaq Kayani on Monday expressed the resolve to defend and protect the democratic process and resolve all issues in accordance with the constitution. The meeting that lasted for over 90 minutes was presided over by Zardari and the political situation in the country was discussed between the officials. (dailytimes.com.pk)

SC rejects NRO beneficiaries’ list

The list does not have the name of President Asif Ali Zardari but includes that of Nusrat Bhutto, wife of the late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. According to NAB insiders, the list was meant to give an impression to the court that the government was following its orders in the NRO case and taking action against the beneficiaries. (dawn.com)

The ball is in Gilani's court

The system has survived - so far. Prime Minister Gilani's much touted fears that 'we all will swim or sink together' have been belied. The court seems to have conveyed its assurance that it's the beneficiaries of the NRO whose future is uncertain and not that of Prime Minister Gilani and other segments of the democratic setup. But by the end of the fortnight when the court takes up the NRO case the government is supposed to have done what it should in order to ensure full implementation of its verdict. (brecorder.com)