PTI UK Reaction on Prime Minister Gilani???s Disqualification

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The judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan today disqualifying Prime Minister Gilani, is a landmark decision in the judicial history of Pakistan.  The Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Imran Kahn???s decision to file a constitutional petition after the former Prime Minister???s conviction for contempt of court was  voicing the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, who were both anxious and concerned to know why a convicted person was still their Prime Minister.  The Supreme Court has now put to rest any such confusion by ruling that the Prime Minister remains disqualified as a member of the National Assembly and as Prime Minister, with effect from 26th April 2012. What is very surprising is that no appeal was lodged against the Supreme Court???s decision of 26th April 2012 convicting Prime Minister Gilani of contempt of court and sentencing him till the rising of the court.  Subsequently, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Fahmida Mirza, ruled that Prime Minister Gilani???s position remained unaffected despite the Supreme Court???s decision, i.e. there was no need to refer the matter to the Election Commission of Pakistan. The integrity and standing of the Supreme Court has acquired a special place in the hearts of the people since the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry after a very long hard fought out struggle by the lawyers, civil society and the people of Pakistan.  They hold their Chief Justice in very high esteem for the courage he had shown when suspended by former dictator/President Musharaf.  It would therefore be very unwise for the government to do anything which may be perceived to be a confrontation with the Supreme Court.  The parliament must act in unison, i.e. the government and the opposition must speak with one voice on this sensitive issue and immediately elect a new Prime Minister.  If, however they feel aggrieved by this judgment a resolution by an overwhelming majority of the parliament will be necessary to show solidarity between the government and the opposition benches, avoid any confrontation and justify a review application.  It goes without saying that the people are fully behind the Supreme Court which they see as standing for justice and rule of law. The governing Pakistan People???s Party should now show mature leadership and if they fail to do so, for example, by delaying the election process of a new Prime Minister, the public will show their fury and reject any such attempt and this may cause chaos and lawlessness in an already deteriorating economy and law and order situation.  Similarly, the allies of the PPP in the government and the opposition must act in a mature manner to ensure that a new Prime Minister assumes office in accordance with the wishes of the parliament, the constitution and indeed in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court which has the full backing of the people of Pakistan. Finally, nothing should be done which may endanger democracy and give an opportunity to those anti-democratic forces who are always eager to destabilise or derail democracy. Shahid Dastgir Khan Head of Human Rights Wing PTI UK

PTI UK Reaction on Prime Minister Gilani???s Disqualification

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PTI UK Reaction on Prime Minister Gilani???s Disqualification

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