Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Senator Aitzaz Ahsan Saturday said it was decided with a consensus evolved in Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) that the appeal against the contempt conviction by the Supreme Court (SC) will not be filed.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the appeal against contempt verdict has been prepared, adding however, the appeal can be submitted within 30 days in the wake of detailed verdict.
‘We had an appeal ready and can file it within 30 days of the detailed ruling.’
Aitzaz said the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was sentenced without even telling him; and this short verdict against him is unacceptable.
He emphasized that the decision taken up by National Assembly Speaker Dr. Fahmida Mirza not to send reference against the premier to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), was right.
“In case the speaker had not taken up any step within the 30 days of the apex court conviction verdict, then, the reference had been considered to be filed on its own,” he said but, it did not occur.
Aitzaz asserted the NA speaker’s status, under 1962 Constitution, was that of a post office; but, this is not the case now.
The PM’s counsel in contempt case said Gilani had already informed him late yesterday night about the decision not to file appeal against the contempt case ruling.
PM Gilani has been convicted and sentenced; but this very fact does not stand him as disqualified, Aitzaz underscored adding Gilani did not resigned as well; hence, the budget can be presented under him.