Pak ruling party backs Gilani; braces for tomorrow's verdict

Islamabad/Lahore: Top leaders of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have held several meetings to prepare for all contingencies in the event of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s conviction by the Supreme Court in a contempt case tomorrow. The apex court has summoned Gilani to appear before a seven-judge bench that is hearing a contempt of court case initiated against the Premier for refusing to act on orders to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari. The bench had reserved its judgement yesterday. [caption id=“attachment_288912” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Gilani announced during an interaction with journalists on Monday that he would not seek a presidential pardon even if he is convicted. Reuters”]  [/caption] Gilani’s appearance in court figured during a meeting of the cabinet today. “I will appear before the Supreme Court tomorrow,” he told the cabinet. He said he had “full respect” for the judiciary and had always honoured the decisions of the courts. If Gilani is convicted, he could face a six-month prison term and disqualification, legal experts have said. However, some experts have said the bench could convict the premier and sentence him to imprisonment “till the rising of the court”, or the conclusion of the proceedings. Gilani announced during an interaction with journalists on Monday that he would not seek a presidential pardon even if he is convicted. Sources in the PPP said the party’s top leadership had discussed several options for dealing with the fallout of the apex court’s verdict. The PPP plans to ask Gilani to remain as the premier even if he is convicted by the Supreme Court. Party insiders said the government could use Article 94 of the Constitution to keep Gilani in office. Article 94 states: “The President may ask the Prime Minister to hold office until his successor enters upon the office of Prime Minister.” The party is also considering possible replacements for Gilani if the apex court issues an order which makes it impossible for him to continue in office. Federal Ministers Syed Khurshid Shah, Makhdoom Shahabuddin and Mian Manzoor Wattoo are among those being considered to replace Gilani, sources told PTI. The sources further said the PPP’s leadership had asked its workers in Sindh and Punjab provinces to be prepared for protests in case Gilani is convicted. Senior PPP leader Usman Malik told PTI that there were no “specific instructions” from the party’s leadership for organising protests. “However, PPP workers are emotional and they could go in for protests on their own,” he said. Legal experts are divided on the issue of whether a conviction would affect Gilani’s status as Prime Minister, with some saying that he can be disqualified only by the Speaker of the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament. PPP leader Fawad Chaudhry has said that under the Constitution, the premier can be removed only if he resigns, loses a vote of confidence or if he no longer remains a parliamentarian. Besides, Chaudhry said, the premier would have the right to appeal against his conviction. Interior Minister Rehman Malik today said the entire cabinet would accompany Gilani for his appearance in the Supreme Court. Gilani had earlier appeared before the bench hearing the contempt case on 19 January and 13 February. “The leaders and ministers of the coalition partners will also accompany the Prime Minister. We expect justice from the court and hope for justice,” Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told a news conference after the cabinet meeting. PTI