Islamabad: Opposition leader Imran Khan is contemplating a “tsunami march” if the Supreme Court’s decisions are “not respected” following the conviction of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for contempt of court.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan accused the Gilani government of being corrupt and pledged that his party would not let them get away with it. “Govt Coalit a Corruption Union hell-bent on filling its bottomless coffers! We will not let them get away; will ensure their accountability,” he tweeted. Another tweet said: “Indep Judiciary gave gift to nation by convicting a powerful man. If SC decisions not respected, PTI will lead Tsunami March on Isl soon.” Gilani was convicted and received a symbolic sentence that lasted about 30 seconds for refusing to act on the court’s directives to write a letter to Swiss authorities to reopen corruption cases against Zardari.
The prime minister has maintained that the president enjoys immunity under the Pakistani constitution. Opposition leaders, including Imran Khan, have called for Gilani’s resignation following his conviction.
Pak PM dares oppn to move trust vote
A day after his conviction for contempt by Pakistan’s Supreme Court, a defiant Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani dared the opposition to move a vote of no-confidence against him and said only the Speaker could disqualify him. “There is a custom that nobody but the Speaker can disqualify me. It cannot happen, there is no law or anything in the Constitution. Today if you (the Speaker) denotify me, I will leave right away. That is up to the custodian of the House,” Gilani said in the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament.
Gilani challenged main opposition PML-N, which has sought his resignation, to bring a vote of no-confidence against him. (Agencies)