Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Friday reiterated his demand for Yousaf Raza Gilani’s resignation, asking him to step down as the prime minister of Pakistan at the earliest after having been convicted by the Supreme Court (SC) or else be ready to face dire consequences.
He was addressing a press conference after presiding over a consultative meeting to discuss the post-SC verdict scenario. Flanked by Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Punjab CM Shahbaz Shareef and Ishaq Dar, Nawaz said the office of the prime minister of Pakistan was vacant after the SC judgment convicted Gilani of contempt of court. He said Gilani had lost his credibility after the verdict of the Supreme Court, so he should resign from the office at the earliest.
“Pakistan is running without a prime minister since Thursday morning,” he said, adding that all decisions and acts of Gilani and his cabinet were illegal and unconstitutional after the conviction. “When Gilani came to office, he took an oath to remain loyal to the constitution, but he violated his oath by remaining loyal to Zardari instead of the constitution,” the PML-N chief said. “Gilani should have mercy on the country’s system and step down from his illegal post,” he added.
Nawaz pointed out that President Asif Ali Zardai was responsible for the chaotic condition, adding that the entire nation had been forced to suffer due to $60 million looted money deposited in Swiss accounts. He said the country was passing through a hard time but the rulers were busy in securing their rule for their personal interests. Nawaz clarified that he had no personal grudge against Zardari and Gilani, instead he was following principles.
To a question, he said his party had several options to get its demands fulfilled, adding that the PML-N would protest in and outside the parliament.
“All options are open, including long march and protests in and outside the parliament,” he noted.
Nawaz said Gilani should face the reality and must avoid putting the nation on another trial.
To another question, he said a new prime minister, from the PPP or any other party, should be appointed and he should write the letter to Swiss authorities.
Opposition Leader Nisar Ali Khan said Gilani managed to “sneak into parliament” on Friday to deliver a speech seeing that the PML-N leaders were not present.
Nawaz vows not to let ‘convict PM’ stay in office
