RPP verdict timing kicks up a stink!

Pakistan People’s Party leaders, political leaders and analysts on Tuesday reacted strongly to the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to arrest Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in the Rental Power Projects case, terming it an attempt to de-rail democracy at such a sensitive time.
Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Farooq H Naek said the apex court in its decision did not mention the name of PM Ashraf as a criminal, neither did it direct authorities to file a reference against the premier.
He said that under Article 19 of the NAB Ordinance, only the NAB chief holds the power to direct an enquiry or detain anyone in the case in question.
Naek was of the view that the decision by the SC was a mistake. Naek further said the demands of Qadri and his marchers were unconstitutional and added, “Taking out rallies at this time is against democracy and could harm the democratic process.”
“Qadri’s demands are illegal, because it is clear under Article 224-A of the constitution that the caretaker setup would be appointed by the PM in consultation with the leader of opposition and there exists no role by any alien in that process,” he said.
Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira said the PM, NAB and other ministers had not received a copy of the decision as yet.
“I do not think the statement by the TMQ chief a day before was related to the decision of the SC, however the public opinion is that the decision of the apex court was connected to Tahirul Qadri’s statement,” he said, adding that circumstances reflect that Qadri was aware of the decision.
Kaira maintained that his party’s top priority is to hold the upcoming elections on time, in a free and fair manner to protect democracy in the country.
PPP human rights cell led by Dr Nafisa Shah condemning the decision termed it a conspiracy against democracy. “It is clear that Tahirul Qadri’s and Iftikhar Chaudhry’s agendas overlap,” said a statement.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman said the decision was a right of the SC, even in circumstances when the country is facing chaos and uncertainty and an individual had led thousands to the capital for a sit in. However, he said the timing of the decision had damaged the image of the Supreme Court.
“Now the Supreme Court has to devise a strategy to counter its damaged position,” he added.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Khawaja Mohammad Asif, a petitioner in the Rental Power Projects (RPPs) case, said Tahirul Qadri would not be able to benefit from the SC decision because when the case was filed Qadri was enjoying a luxurious life in Canada. Welcoming the SC decision, he said he took the case to court personally after finding out about rampant corruption in the Rental Power Projects. Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said the names mentioned by the Supreme Court would be put on the Exit Control List (ECL), as soon as the ministry would receive a list in this connection, however he requested media personnel to not to use the word criminal for the PM as he was still the elected premier of the country.
PML-F Secretary General Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh said following the verdict against the PM, the incumbent PPP government had lost the constitutional right to rule the country.
He demanded the government immediately resign on moral grounds and constitute a caretaker setup with the mutual consultation of all parties.
He further demanded that the National Assembly (NA) and provincial assemblies be dissolved immediately and free and fair elections be held within 90 days. APML chief General (r) Pervez Musharraf welcomed the SC orders, saying those who caused loss to the national exchequer must be held accountability.
Meanwhile, the SC decision halted wedding celebrations at the PM House as the PM’s son Raja Shahrukh’s wedding ceremony is taking place on January 17 (tomorrow) at a local hotel. He is getting married to Makhdoom Noor Hashmi’s daughter, a renowned Makhdoom family from Rahim Yar Khan.