'Corrupt' politicians in President's House threatening Pak democracy: Rana Sanaullah

Lahore, Oct 12 (ANI): A 'corrupt tola' (corrupt group) of politicians in the President's House is posing a real threat to democracy in the country, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah has stated.

Sanaullah made these remarks in a special meeting with journalists outside the Punjab Assembly, which was held to counter charges leveled against his party regarding running the provincial government on the court's stay order, and on the announcement of long march over the appointment of Justice (retired) Deedar Hussain Shah as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, the Daily Times reported.

The minister also challenged federal Law Minister Babar Awan to have a fixed debate at any forum of his choice on the stay order issue, as he pointed out that the Punjab government was not running on any stay order from any court.

The debate would take place on the condition that the loser would resign from his post, he added.

Talking about the long march, he claimed that if it were launched, then Babar Awan would bow down for mercy rather than welcoming the participants.

Sanaullah also said that the appointment of Justice Deedar was not the president's right and he should have consulted the opposition leader.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has stated that President Asif Ali Zardari had appointed Justice (retired) Deedar Hussain Shah as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman in accordance with the constitution.

In the wake of Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to start the hearing on the pending National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) review petition on October 13, Gilani said that "nothing bad" would take place on that day and "there will be no long march." (ANI)