–AML chief says CJP responsible for appointing caretaker govt
–PPP’s Shah says Sheikh Rasheed’s demand is unconstitutional
ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League (AML) Chairman Sheikh Rasheed on Thursday clarified his remarks regarding ‘judicial martial law’ by saying that he wanted to ask Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar to form the caretaker government himself.
The explanation came after the son-in-law of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Captain (r) Safdar accused AML chief of breaching the Constitution and demanded SC to take notice of him.
On Wednesday Sheikh Rasheed had urged the CJP to impose a 90-day-long ‘judicial martial law’ in the run-up to the forthcoming general elections.
He had said that appointing the caretaker prime minister was actually the responsibility of the chief justice as the whole nation was looking up to the judiciary in this regard.
“Perhaps, the CJP should impose a 90-day-long judicial martial law in the country, but, this martial law should only last till the elections,” he had said.
He had also stated that not only the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah but all heads of the opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan must be consulted for the appointment of a caretaker prime minister.
“A caretaker PM without the approval of Imran Khan would not be accepted,” he had remarked.
‘RASHEED’S DEMAND UNCONSTITUTIONAL’:
Responding to AML chief’s remarks, Khursheed Shah on Thursday said such statements can only be stated by those who are either in favour of a martial law or are a part of it.
He continued that those who follow democracy can never consider the possibility of a ‘martial law’.
He said that the formation of an interim government is clearly written in the Constitution and no one is above the rule of law. Those advising judicial martial law will be considered as rebels, he added.
He also rejected Nawaz Sharif’s offer to discuss the formation of an interim government with him. He said that it is not appropriate for him to discuss these matters with the PML-N, let alone with Nawaz Sharif.
Khursheed Shah assured that he will definitely discuss the matter of the appointment of the interim PM with his party. He said that proposing of appropriate names is one thing but political parties cannot hold discussions on this matter.
Responding to a question, Khursheed Shah said that he cannot predict Nawaz Sharif’s future as he is not an astrologist but things are changing fast.
