Wednesday, May 7, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 30, 1429    

Naek hopes consensus to be reached on judges issue
Shahbaz warns of political decision

Islamabad—Minister for Law and Justice Farooq H. Naek Monday said findings of judges committee, irrespective of that either it reached through consensus or with difference of opinion, would be presented before PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
After the committee’s decision, it would be upto the both leaders that how to take this matter forward, the Minister told a private television.
To a question, he said earlier it was decided that coalition partners JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman and ANP’s Central leader Asfand Yar Wali would be consulted on the issue.
PML-N president Mian Shahbaz Sharif has said if no consensus is developed on judges restoration issue in the committee meeting then a political decision will be taken in the light of Murree declaration.
He said this while talking to a private T V channel here Tuesday. He stressed judges issue should be decided at every cost by May 12 and the party now wanted to focus on other problems as well.
He indicated PPP had nominated Abdul Hafeez Pirzada and PML-N had agreed on it. Pirzada had different viewpoint on the reinstatement of judges as he was of the opinion that restoration should come through amendment in constitution. If two diverse opinions come in the committee meeting then leadership will decide about it, he pointed out.
“Postponement of by-elections is very surprising for me”, he said adding PPP leadership has no relevance with it. Rehman Malik has emerged as leading actor in this matter, he added.
It should be got investigated as to why Rehman Malik had done this job, he demanded. “I hope polls postponement decision will be taken back and the by elections would take place as per previous schedule”, he underlined.