People’s power restores Justice Iftikhar ;Gilani makes historic announcement

[LahoreEstate]

Monday, March 16, 2009
Gilani makes historic announcement; Section 144 lifted; political prisoners released; people, lawyers, media, Army chief and PM play crucial role

By Asim Yasin

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani early on Monday morning announced the restoration of all the deposed judges including Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.

In his address to the nation, the prime minister said that Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry would take charge as Chief Justice of Pakistan on the retirement of the present Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar on March 21.

The prime minister also announced an end to Section 144 throughout the country and release of all political prisoners. Justice Iftikhar is being reinstated as chief justice of Pakistan, after the long struggle of lawyers, politicians and the common people of Pakistan.

Earlier, this decision was conveyed to PML-N leader Ch Nisar by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani who along with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani played very important role in the final solution of the two-year old problem.

The historic decision was taken in a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani and COAS Gen Kayani. The long march led by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif despite strict measures to block it contributed immensely to the decision taken by the government.

The role played by the Army chief guaranteed the continuation of democracy in the country. This step has also enhanced the image of the armed forces among the people.

Politicians and lawyers’ leaders acknowledged the vital role played by the media in educating the people that led to the restoration of the deposed chief justice of Pakistan. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and lawyers leader Ali Ahmad Kurd particularly lauded the role of Geo TV in this regard.

Before announcing the historic development, the prime minister contacted Mian Nawaz Sharif and Chaudhry Nisar and informed them about the government’s decision.

Chaudhry Nisar told Geo News that Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani phoned him that he was going to announce the restoration of the deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry within a few minutes.

He said the prime minister had also phoned Mian Nawaz Sharif and informed him about the decision. Chaudhry Nisar said that Mian Shahbaz Sharif was present with him and they had told Mian Nawaz Sharif to stay at Kamoke till the speech of the prime minister and after the announcement they would decide about the long march and their future strategy.

Imran Khan while talking to Kamran Khan said that they would welcome the restoration of the deposed chief justice, but they wanted the November 2 judiciary. He said if the judiciary was reverted to its November 2 position they would celebrate it. However, he added, they would take the decision about their reaction after meeting at the Kachery Chowk on Monday.

According to Geo News, President Asif Ali Zardari also phoned Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani, MQM chief Altaf Hussain and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and took them into confidence over the government’s decisions to defuse the political temperature and the restoration of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.

Following is the text of the premier’s speech to the nation:

“Today I am addressing you at such an occasion when our country is at a crossroads of its political history. You know that we always preferred conciliation, patience and mutual respect in politics.

“You know that democracy and democratic institutions are not strengthened unless the political parties and leaders respect mandate of each other. These days you are witnessing that lawyers and their supporters are expressing their sentiments in favour of their demands that is their political and democratic right.

“In this situation that passion of patience and contentment is alive on which I have been insisting since I assumed the responsibilities of prime ministership, and have been trying to practice it.

“As far as long march of lawyers is concerned, I would like you to recall the historical fact that the relationship of lawyers community and Pakistan People’s Party is very old and unbreakable. We have always been shoulder to shoulder with each other for the cause of restoration of democracy, civil liberties and human rights. We respect this educated, protectors of law and conscientious segment from the core of heart and this is our faith that lawyers can play very positive and effective role in the real implementation of law and its supremacy in the country. Here I consider necessary to describe that when Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was deposed and in this regard lawyers started movement in collaboration with political parties and civil society, my martyred leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto practically participated in this movement. She participated in long march and she was house arrested and I was also detained during the same movement. Lawyers, PPP and other parties and civil societies have gave great sacrifices and offered the gifts of their lives. My Quaid Shaheed BB had promised that she would restore Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry as chief justice. When we formed government, Co-Chairman of PPP and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari had promised that he would restore deposed judges and he stuck to his promise, but the hitch in restoring of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was that Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar had been appointed as Chief Justice and President Asif Ali Zardari had pledged that he would not remove any judge before his tenure.

“Now when Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar is retiring on March 21, so after consulting President Asif Ali Zardari I have decided that now it’s time to fulfil the promise. We have also consulted leaders of our allied parties in this regard.

“Let me remind you that when I was elected as the prime minister of Pakistan, I immediately not only ordered the release of the detained judges, but also restored their salaries and other incentives.

“Dear countrymen as per my and the President of Pakistan’s promise, I announce the restoration of all the deposed judges including Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. On the retirement of Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar on March 21, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry would take charge of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The notification of this is being issued.

Dear countrymen

“On this occasion I pledge to take forward once again the politics of reconciliation and

“I announce that the federal government will file a review petition against the decision of the Supreme Court disqualifying Mian Nawaz Sharif and Mian Shahbaz Sharif. I call on them to come and move forward by taking all the political forces along under the charter of democracy (CoD).

“I order the provincial governments to lift Section 144 imposed during the long march and release all the political workers who were arrested during the long march.

“I congratulate Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, lawyers, political workers and members of the civil society from the core of my heart on this historical occasion. Let us all celebrate this historical event in a respectable manner.

“I assure you that we will make our beloved country from strong to stronger and to solve problems of the people, ensure our independence, solidarity of the state and keep our green crescent flag high through sheer hard work, honesty and dedication. Your continued support in this regard will give impetus to our determination and courage.

“The fruits of patience that our government is demonstrating in national politics in line with the views of Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed will not only be reaped by all of us but also our coming generations.

“This spirit of respect will translate our dream of a greater Pakistan into reality. Let us pledge together to uphold this spirit forever. Long live Pakistan.”

http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=20933