Conviction not disqualify him from his post: Prime Minister Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani claimed the verdict of the Supreme Court against him did not disqualify him from the office, clarifying he did not commit a criminal offence by not writing letter to the Swiss courts.

While interacting local and foreign journalists late night Thursday, the premier observed, “The charges against me are not of criminal nature. In a civil charge, there cannot be disqualification”.

He said that he had followed the Constitution and did not have moral depravity on him as the Article 248-1 of the Constitution grants immunity to the President of Pakistan.

The clause regarding immunity had never been debated, nor interpreted in the country’s 64-year history, he added.

Replying to a query about the calls of a long march by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Gilani lamented that they had not shown patience even for the detailed-judgment of the apex court.

He was saying, “I do not need their (PML-N’s) recognition. We do not need the alternative options but will follow the Constitution and rule of law”.

Commenting about passage of the resolution in the National Assembly for the creation of provinces, the convicted premier termed it a step forward and in accordance with 40-year desire of the people of Southern Punjab. In his view, he dispersed a national message by the people of the region.

Gilani said that the PML-N had lost the game and it was attempting to divert attention from the real issues, explaining its stance for not seconding the creation of Seraiki province and tabling resolution on four federating units.

In his view, the PML-N had been cut off and completely exposed, and they are making efforts to acquire from sides, being simultaneously in the power and in the opposition. The incumbent wants to go ahead by taking along all political parties but the Sharif Brothers was making their solo flight.

The defiant premier while speaking on the appointment of new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) argued he had sent names to the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan for suggestions.

He, however, lamented over the attitude of the Chaudhry Nisar, which responded that he did not recognize Gilani as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The Sharif Court had given its ruling before the detailed-verdict of the apex court, which was hampering the process of appointment of new election commissioner.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 4 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.