ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan Wednesday summoned both Dr Tahriul Qadri and Imran Khan tomorrow over anti-government protests. While hearing a petition against sit-ins being staged in the federal capital, the apex court issued notices to Khan and Qadri directing both of them to appear Thursday. “We would like to give notice to all respondents for tomorrow,” Chief Justice Nasir ul-Mulk remarked. During the hearing, Justice Jawwad S Khwaja remarked that procedure to remove government is defined in the constitution, adding that any other method used for toppling the government is anarchy. Qadri’s supporters blockaded parliament on Wednesday in response to calls from their leader not to allow anyone in or out. The National Assembly session is due to meet on Wednesday after Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri led thousands of protesters past riot police and barricades to parliament as part of a bid to force the prime minister to stand down. Member National Assembly (MNA) Marvi Memon said the lawmakers would discuss the political crisis in today’s parliamentary session. Exhausted protesters, some carrying blankets or colorful umbrellas, were resting on the grass on Constitution Avenue, the main street housing government buildings, on Wednesday after some used bolt cutters to force their way past barricades of barbed wire and shipping containers late on Tuesday. Riot police did not intervene. They want Sharif to stand down over allegations of corruption and rigging last year’s polls. “Now no police nor army will stop us,” Khan told supporters on Tuesday. “Nawaz Sharif, resign by tomorrow 8 p.m., otherwise we will come to the prime minister’s house.” Last night, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman Major General Asim Bajwa called for a political solution to the crisis. “Situation requires patience, wisdom and sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in larger national and public interest,” military spokesman tweeted as the protesters approached parliament. Khan wants Sharif to step down because he believes the prime minister rigged last year’s polls. Sharif won the election by a landslide, and the polls were the first democratic transfer of power in Pakistan’s history. Qadri wants Sharif to step down because he says the system is corrupt. He has promised free housing for the homeless, and welfare and subsidized food and electricity for the poor. The hearing has been adjourned till 9am tomorrow. –Samaa/Agencies
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:18:38 +0000
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