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| Conditional support by PML(N) may bail out Zardari | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 22 :-Asif Ali Zardari led Government in Pakistan,which had been gripped by constitutional crisis following scrapping of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) by the Supreme Court,seems to have,for the time being,evaded chances of immediate collapse.The Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) headed Government received fresh lease of life after its major supporter,Pakistan Muslim League(N),announced its conditional support to Zardari.
After the Government was rattled by the Supreme Court verdict Pakistan Prime Minister,Yousuf Raza Gilani,met senior PML(N) leader and Punjab Chief Minister,Shahbaz Sharif,in Lahore the other day.The two,according to reports from across the border,discussed in detail the latest political situation which had become complicated following the court ruling. Gilani met Shahbaz Sharif to find out whether the PML(N) continued to support the PPP led Government or not because the Government could fall if the PML(N) declared withdrawal of support to Zardari.
During the discussion Shahbaz assured Gilani of his party's support in case the President,Asif Ali Zardari,scrapped the 17th amendment to the constitution of Pakistan which had been adopted in 2003 when the country was ruled by Gen.Parvez Musharraf.Under the 17th amendment the term of the President has been fixed for five years.What seems to annoy PML(N) is the provision in the amended constitution under which the President shall not be called in question in any court or forum.This very amendment has given the President immunity against any court order.
Reports said that Gilani assured Shahbaz that the the Government will "do away" with the 17th amendment.Soon after this assurance the PML(N) leadership changed its tone and announced that "we are not demanding any change of the President."Again the PML(N) leadership has also sought assuarance from the PPP leadership that it will fulfill its commitments,address peoples' problems and ensure good governance.After Gilani told Shahbaz that "we are ready to fulfill our commitments" PML(N) leadership lent full support to Zardari.It said that President Zardari enjoyed immunity under Article 248 of the constitution of Pakistan and as such no case against the President could be reopened.
Political analysts say that the pronounced support of the PML(N) for the Pakistan President is likely to make things easy for Asif Ali Zardari.What seems to have made Zardari's position secure,despite the political and constitutional storm,is the opposition to any idea of holding a midterm poll in Pakistan.The demand for midterm poll was raised by the Chairman of Tehrik-i-Insaaf,Imran Khan,on the plea that it would settle the crisis that faced Pakistan following the Supreme court order annuling the NRO.But all major political parties,including PML(N),Janait-e-Islami and Jamait Ulema-i-Islam,opposed it arguing that midterm poll was no solution and it may place the country in fresh political crisis.
Well, now PML(N) has placed the ball of responsibility in the court of Zardari.Indications are that in case Zardari failed to fulfill the demand of the PML(N) Nawaz Sharif may announce withdrawal of his support to the Government.At the same time it is t o be seen whether Zardari ultimately decides to do away with the 17th amendment to the constitution and if he does so his position may become precarious. |
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