For country’s political, economic stability: PM says he, president, army chief on same page

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that he, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir are on the same page for the political and economic stability of the country.

The premier said that the latest amendments made to the constitution will ensure political stability, which is must for the economic stability of the country. Talking to The News here on Monday, the prime minister sounded excited over the passage of the 26th amendment to the constitution.

When asked who would be the next Chief Justice of Pakistan, the premier said it would be decided by the Special Parliamentary Committee. However, an informed source claimed that Justice Yahya Afridi will be the first choice of the government for the office of the CJP, and in case he regrets, Justice Amin ud Din Khan would be the option.

As per the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the 12-member committee will recommend the name of the next CJP to the prime minister from a panel of three senior most judges of the apex court. The premier will forward the name to the President for approval.

Shehbaz Sharif is though known for his cautiousness while commenting about controversies relating to other institutions, his minister for defence Khawaja Asif made a scathing attack on eight judges of the Supreme Court, who handed down the July 12 decision in special seats case, and alleged that they had ganged up against Parliament and wanted to bring Imran Khan back into power.

In his speech late last night in the National Assembly, the minister said that his earlier warning about possible constitutional meltdown in the country was not based on mere hearsay. He claimed that the eight judges after the July 12 decision had said while thumping their chest that they were bringing the man (Imran Khan) back in October.

Khawaja Asif’s statement suggests that it was not merely the July 12 verdict of the Supreme Court in special seats case but some post-decision alleged statements of judges or their relatives that had alarmed the ruling coalition about the alleged political ambitions of these judges.

While referring to his recent warning about possible constitutional meltdown (after the retirement of incumbent CJP and the arrival of new one), Kh Asif said that he was not gossiping. After the July 12 decision, he claimed, there was some talk made about bringing Imran Khan back into power in October.

He said that the Supreme Court has become a political party and alleged that judges have political ambitions. He said they (eight persons) “ganged up” against Parliament, which represents the 240 million people of Pakistan. He asked if the constitution or the democratic values allow eight people to hold the entire democratic system hostage so that Parliament becomes subservient to the wishes of one man who wants to become Chief Justice and then destroy the system.

He asked whether the Election Commission and Parliament are not the institutions and there is only one institution where 17-18 people are sitting. He said the respect of any institution is linked with the people representing it. He said there are reasons why the judiciary is facing criticism these days. Khawaja said the judges need introspection.