Courtroom chaos: Pakistan’s Supreme Court sacks Prime Minister Gilani
Reza Jan | Critical Threats
June 19, 2012

Flickr/USAID Pakistan

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan speaking at a photo exhibition "Rebuilding Together: With Dignity and Hope" sponsored by USAID at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad.

  • Download

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled to disqualify Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani from office for contempt of court, a charge Gilani was convicted of on April 26, 2012. The decision throws Pakistan into legal and political chaos and may have an important impact on Pakistan’s upcoming elections.

The ruling begins with Gilani’s conviction for contempt of court for refusing to pursue corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari. Pakistan’s constitution forbids those convicted of contempt from holding a seat in parliament. Following Gilani’s conviction, his case was referred to Fehmida Mirza, the Speaker of the National Assembly (Pakistan’s lower house), to begin disqualification proceedings against Gilani. Mirza, a member of the prime minister’s ruling party, used her prerogative as speaker to not forward the petition on to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)—a necessary next step in the disqualification process.

Please read the full text at the Critical Threats Project. 

 

  • Download
Also Visit
AEIdeas Blog The American Magazine
About the Author

 

Reza
Jan
Show More

What's new on AEI

image How to beat Memorial Day traffic forever
image Bernanke stumbles, markets react
image Don't edit the First Amendment
image Home Economics
close

Join the AEI Media List

AEI's press office frequently sends press advisories highlighting the availability of scholars to discuss particular news topics, as well as recent AEI products (such as studies, articles, and testimonies). Please enter your contact information below to be added to our media list.
JOIN MEDIA LIST
AEI on Facebook
Events Calendar
  • 20
    MON
  • 21
    TUE
  • 22
    WED
  • 23
    THU
  • 24
    FRI
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Free beer: Liberating libations from ‘Bootleggers and Baptists’

Join us for a discussion of the history and future of federal and state alcohol regulation and competition, followed by a reception with beer, wine, and spirits.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
NCLB sanctions: Tests taken, lessons learned

Join education scholars and practitioners for a discussion about the latest NCLB research and its implications for future education policy.

Thursday, May 23, 2013 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Competing visions of the common good: Rethinking help for the poor

What shared commitments do we have as citizens and neighbors to care for one another? How can a proper ordering of America’s political economy enable the most people to have the best life? At this event, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), a longtime champion of human rights causes, and AEI President Arthur Brooks will join Wallis in addressing these and other questions.

No events scheduled this day.
No events scheduled this day.
No events scheduled today.
No events scheduled this day.
No events scheduled this day.