'Cornered' Gilani rejects any deal with judiciary on judges' appointment

Islamabad, Feb.20 (ANI): After having received flak from all quarters on the judges appointment issue, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has rejected reports of any deal being struck between the government and the judiciary, and said the appointments were made only after consultations with all stakeholders.

Talking to reporters here, Gilani said it is 'unfair' to say to he had struck a deal with the judiciary.

"It is very unfair to say that I have struck a deal with the judiciary ... whatever decision we have to make, it should be reached through a consultative process ... and even through the development of consensus," Gilani said.

The Pakistan Government had to roll back its decision of elevating the Lahore High Court Chief Justice to the apex bench after severe protest from the judiciary, and was forced to accept Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry's recommendations.

Gilani said the government's decision was in the interest of the country, and the issue has been resolved amicably.

"You should rather feel proud of your judiciary ... they have resolved the matter, and now there are no vacant posts of judges," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

When asked whether the government would take any action against those who 'misled' it over the issue, Gilani said the whole cabinet was responsible for the decision, and a single person cannot be blamed. (ANI)