Angered by the timing and content of the detailed judgment of the Supreme Court against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in the contempt of court case, coalition lawmakers came down hard on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislators and left them with no other option but to opt for a walkout.
The charge on the PML-N members was led by PPP Senator Saeed Ghani and was backed by Abdul Nabi Bangash, Saeeda Iqbal and others. The opposition walked out of the House demanding the prime minister’s resignation after his conviction by the Supreme Court. But it was Saeed Ghani who delivered a fiery and emotional speech.
Resuming the debate on the presidential address to the joint sitting of parliament on March 17, 2012, Saeed grilled the PML-N for pushing the prime minister to the wall and bringing a bad name to the country by launching a defamation campaign against the PPP-led coalition government. He alleged that the verdict on this juncture would defame the prime minister inside and outside the country, especially when he had left for the UK on an official visit. He asked them to recall the past of the PML-N government which even attacked the judiciary and did not implement court verdicts.
Ghani said the presidential address had encompassed all national issues, democratic government’s landmark achievements made by evolving national consensus on NFC, constitutional amendments and FATA reforms. He said despite heavy floods, poor law and order, lack of foreign support, the country’s exports, remittances and foreign reserves had increased besides efficient steps taken for strengthening of agriculture sector. Ghani lauded the services of Pakistan Baitul Maal and Benazir Income Support Programme, restoration of sacked employees and fixation of 12 percent share in corporations for their employees. Rafiq Rajwana of the PML-N raised the issue of Supreme Court verdict on prime minister’s conviction and asked the government to implement it.
He said that the court order had to be implemented and the prime minister had no option but to leave his office. Speaking on a point of order, PML-N’s Zafar Ali Shah said the detailed verdict on prime minister’s conviction was self-explanatory and his party could not be part of House’s proceedings amidst such situation. Dr Saeeda Iqbal congratulated President Asif Ali Zardrai for addressing the joint sitting of parliament for fifth time, adding that the people of Pakistan were pro-democracy despite the fact that dictatorial regimes had ruled the country for most part of history.
Abdul Nabi Bangash of the ANP said Lyari had been a stronghold of Pakistan People’s Party, but still PPP workers were being killed in the area and the government was keeping mum over it. He said smaller provinces were not being given due rights under provincial autonomy as provided by the 18th Amendment, adding that a motion had also been submitted in the House to discuss the issue. Karim S Ahmed Khawaja said despite the terror wave in the country, the country’s economy was growing positively and appreciated the government for making landmark achievements for provincial autonomy and restoration of constitution.