Gilani trying to avoid judiciary-executive face-off over NRO judgement implementation

Lahore, May 24 (ANI): In a bid to avoid any showdown between the executive and the higher judiciary during next week’s hearing over the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, using his veto power, has barred federal ministers from opposing the Supreme Court’s verdict.

Gilani has also reassured Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry that the government would not object to any judgement of the apex court.

“I rang up the chief justice and assured him that the government has all the respect for the judiciary,” he said.

Interacting with media persons here, Gilani said he has asked the People’s Lawyers Forum to drop its plans of assembling outside the court during the hearing.

“Only a few lawyers and ministers will go with the law minister to the Supreme Court and explain the government’s point of view. Any clash between institutions will not benefit anyone,” The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

“The current tension between the government and the judiciary is a part of democracy’s evolution. The parliament and judiciary are trying to find their feet in a new set-up and define their roles. All other institutions are evolving and they know it. Only the media sometimes get aggressive,” he added.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court is seeking an answer from the federal government as to why its judgement over the amnesty law- NRO, which was declared ‘unconstitutional’ by the apex court in December 2009, has not been implemented until now.

Replying to a question about reopening of Swiss money laundering cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, Gilani said: “Writing a letter to any government was not a problem.”

“Different options were being looked into about writing to the Swiss government, but law and constitution would determine the ‘final action’,” he said. (ANI)