Musharraf's fate to be decided by Parliament: Gilani

Islamabad, Aug.2 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the final decision regarding the fate of former President General Pervez Musharraf would be taken by Parliament.

Commenting on the Supreme Court's verdict that declared Musharraf's November 3, 2007 actions as 'extra-judicial and unconstitutional', Gilani said Parliament is the appropriate forum to take decisions of national interest.

"They (Supreme Court) have given their verdict. I have been saying from day one that parliament is the forum which has to take these decisions. Let parliament decide," Gilani said.

When enquired about his own view on the verdict, Gilani said he did not hold a personal opinion on the issue.

"My party will have an opinion and the party will never support a dictator," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Replying to a question, he said in the presence of a free media, strong political forces and an 'active judiciary', people's expectation has grown, and that the Parliament has to act very maturely on the issue.

Gilani also rejected reports of altercations between him and President Asif Ali Zardari.

"There are no differences between me and President Asif Ali Zardari, it was a false impression being presented by the media," he said.

When enquired about scrapping the 17th Amendment, Gilani said it would require support from other political parties as well, as the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz together do not have the required two-thirds majority to scrap the Act. (ANI)