Seeking SC’s opinion on Hasba bill was indispensable: Musharraf
By Rezvan Malick - Pakistan Times Staff Correspondent

RAWALPINDI: President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Governor NWFP Commander Khalil Rehman have expressed their satisfaction over Supreme Court’s ruling on the contentious Hasba bill and said that some of its clauses are in defiance of several points Pakistan’s Constitution 1973.

Given the nature of the bill, it was necessary to seek viewpoint of the Supreme Court, they said.

Governor Rehman called on President Musharraf here and discussed with him the bill and province’s entire political situation.

Both sides also exchanged their views regarding on-going development work in the province and Fata as well as law and order situation, coming local bodies elections and political matters of the province.

However, the President has directed those working on the development work in NWFP and FATA to complete the uplift projects on time.

He believed the uplift works would benefit the local people of NWFP and FATA in terms of employment opportunities and better health and education facilities.

The President is believed to have commended the court’s brave decision on the Hasba bill, saying that the decision mirrors the reality that some parts in the bill contradicted those of the country’s Constitution 1973.

Governor refuses to Sign

Meanwhile, a report from Peshawar says tat Governor NWFP Khalil Rehman refused to sign Hasba Bill in light of Supreme Court’s ruling on it.

While talking to journalists he said he would act on ruling the Supreme Court has pronounced on the bill and added that the court’s decision disallows the governor of NWFP for signing the bill in black and white.

When asked, the governor said that the Court’s order is order and acting on it is obligatory.●