Deposed judges to be restored in two weeks through constitutional package: Asif Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Co-Chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party, Asif Ali Zardari Monday said that deposed judges of superior courts would be restored through Constitutional package, and the process may take two weeks for completion.Talking to private TV channel, the PPP Co-Chairman said that a comprehensive package alongwith a resolution and executive order would be put before the parliament for threadbare discussion and approval.
He said that some quarters were involved in the practice of reverse count on the issue of judges’ restoration which was not a good thing to do.
He said, the time frame for the restoration of judges was announced with good intention but it was not a divine degree.
“There are some technicalities that are ought to be addressed prior to a decision in this regard”, he added.
Zardari said that the restoration of judges was not their mandate. Rather his Party,s mandate was “Roti, Kapra Aur Makan”.
He said that release of deposed judges was not mentioned in the Murree Declaration, but it was announced by the Prime Minister soon after taking the oath of his office.
Since he himself remained the victim of system, the change in judicial system was necessary, he added.
To another question, Zardari said the sitting judges of superior judiciary would not be affected with the restoration of deposed judges.
He said that substantial increase has occurred in population, also the number of cases has increased considerably. So, the expansion of the judiciary was just, adding the newly appointed judges be allowed to continue to work in public interest.
Asif Zardari said that he wanted a national reconciliation to put the country on path to democracy and progress.
It was under this intention that he visited the grave of Mian Muhammad Sharif and convinced the other political parties to join a coalition government.
He said that it is not an easy task to run the coalition government, rather it was the need of hour to ensure the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country.
The present government has inherited a heap of problems from the previous one, he said adding the deposed judges were present in their offices when these problems were getting accumulation.
He said, the PPP has a long experience of facing the establishment which no other party had; adding the party will never allow the democratic process to get derailed.
The PPP leader said that condition of BA degree was imposed to introduce a tailor made democracy in the country.
Zardari said that he would not allow a rift in coalition government, adding if this opportunity is lost then the process toward democracy would go back to its starting point.
Asked if he would accord party ticket to Aitezaz Ehsan the PPP leader said, it is the mandate of party to discuss and decide such things; adding he himself had applied for ticket.
Responding yet to another question Zardari said that in the light of party traditions he can become the Prime Minister by right time, but he will not do so.
The PPP Co-Chairman said that he has never met with President Musharraf in person, but he still remains in contact with him indirectly.
He said that even presently 4-5 persons committed suicide in the country, and the situation requires special attention rather than thinking on the issue as to would will be the next President.
The political leadership must think about bringing change in the living conditions of these people, rather than wasting time on petty issues, he said.
Zardari said that he would like the parliament to gain more strength by removing the clause 58 (2)b from constitution.
To a question he said, the PPP had dialogue with the pro democratic nations world across; and it was the result of this dialogue that President Musharraf doff his uniform.
Responding yet to another question he said, when Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was assassinated the sitting government pointed towards the involvement of Al-Qaeda which is an international organization.
In this context, the matter needs international probe he said adding that is why the PPP is insisting on inquiry by UN.
He said, complete autopsy of BB’s body was conducted by the doctors at Rawalpindi hospital and the matter would be probed at an appropriate time.