News
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Judiciary can’t be allowed to exercise Article 58-2(b): PM* Gilani says he knew detailed SC verdict will welcome him in UK
* Nawaz, Imran want to be PM without becoming MNAs
LONDON: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday the coalition government had done away with the controversial Article 58-2(b) of the constitution and the judiciary could not be allowed to exercise the same right.
“Article 58-2(b) is no more part of the constitution and it could not be devolved to courts,” the prime minister told the media in London.
He said the clause that empowered the president to send packing any government was put in place by former dictator General Ziaul Haq but the democratic government did away with it.
Gilani said he was not surprised by the Supreme Court’s detailed judgement in a contempt of court case against him because he knew the order would welcome him the moment he departed for the UK. “I was already expecting it,” the prime minister said.
“I have the right to file an appeal against my conviction. And I will use this right,” he said, adding that the country was witnessing “non-serious politics” which was bringing bad name to the country.
He said PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PTI Chairman Imran Khan wanted to become prime minister without becoming members of parliament.
Gilani said the two politicians would have to work hard to outdo him in politics. He also called upon Nawaz Sharif to end his “undemocratic attitude”. “The opposition is politically immature. After Senate elections, moves were made to block annual fiscal budget,” he added.
Gilani said Pakistan and the United Kingdom were partners in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Addressing a reception at the House of Commons, Gilani said, “We have repeatedly said that we would not allow our territory to be used for any kind of attacks on other countries and we expect that the soil of other countries would not be used against Pakistan.”
He said the sacrifices made by Pakistan in its campaign against militancy, terrorism and extremism were unparalleled, adding that the resolve of the two countries in this regard remained unshakeable. “I am happy to state that there is not a single political prisoner in Pakistan today. Media is completely free and the civil society is robust and human rights organisations’ assertions are making qualitative difference as far as the human rights are concerned.” agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk