Gilani's latest twist in judges restoration tale opens new can of worms

Islamabad, Feb.16 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has stirred another controversy by declaring that the executive order issued in March last year by the government for the restoration of judges of higher judiciary is yet to be endorsed by Parliament.

Gilani's statement in the National Assembly has fuelled speculations that President Asif Ali Zardari might withdraw the order.

The Prime Minister's speech surprised many, and especially Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who failed to respond to Gilani's clear message that the government was still in a position to decide the fate of the of restored judges despite being under attack from various quarters.

During his 'fiery' speech in the house, Gilani put up a strong defence for beleagured Zardari by rejecting his comparison with former President General Pervez Musharraf.

Interestingly, Nisar Ali Khan has not responded to the Prime Minister's statement, which has raised speculations about a new game being played, whose result no one can predict at the moment.

Meanwhile, legal experts are of the view that the judges whose restoration was ordered had actually never been removed under law, therefore, they neither needed restoration nor its endorsement from the Parliament.

Federal Information and Broadcasting minister Qamar Zaman Kaira also rejected any confrontation between the two institutions in the country.

"Some political forces have taken the issue according to their own perception and a section of lawyers was also going on confrontational path but the situation is not out of control," The News quoted Kaira, as saying.

Kaira said the government has no intention to oppose the decision of the court, adding the government would implement the decision of the apex court regarding judges' appointment. (ANI)