Parliament may adopt resolution on judges this week

ISLAMABAD — A parliamentary resolution promised by top leaders of the PPP and the PML-N in the Murree Declaration for restoration of deposed judges is likely to be adopted this week, reliable sources here said.
The resolution would be moved in the National Assembly which is currently in session. It was due to be prorogued last Friday but was extended till April 25. The resolution would be moved before the session concludes, a PPP source here said.
PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif met in Islamabad last week amid growing doubts about the restoration of sacked judges, in particular Iftikhar Chaudhry.
There were speculations that the PPP is dragging its feet on the issue under pressure from the United States and a desire to avoid direct confrontation with President Pervez Musharraf at this stage. Media reports said that Musharraf may invoke the Article 52 (b) of the constitution to dissolve the National Assembly.
But the two leaders reaffirmed their pledge to implement the Murree Declaration that promised restoration of judges within 30 days after formation of the federal government. PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar later said the judges would be reinstated “whatever the consequences”.
Law Minister Farooq Naek in the meantime said the coalition government is committed to restoring deposed judges according to the Murree Declaration. “There should be no confusion about it,” he said.