Zardari, Nawaz not to attend PM’s Oath taking Ceremony
'Pakistan Times' Political Desk

ISLAMABAD: None of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA) leaders including Asif Ali Zardari, Mian Nawaz Sharif, Asfandyar Wali Khan and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will attend the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani to be held at President House today, Tuesday.

Senior PML (N) Leader, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan and PPP Leader Sherry Rehman separately talking to media outside Parliament House said, the PDA leadership would not attend any ceremony in the President House.

“We have nothing bad against the Prime Minister but we have decided to stay away from the presidency,” they said.

Meanwhile, Senior PML(N) Leader, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan Monday said the deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan and other senior judges would be restored on their pre-November 03 positions.

The count down would start soon after oath taking of the newly elected Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, he said while talking to media outside the Parliament House here.

He said that the rights of the people were usurped on November 03 by removing the judges of superior judiciary from their posts.

Commenting on MQM support to PPP, he said, “We have expressed our concerns before PPP top leadership which has assured us that the cooperation was limited to only for Sindh province.”

He opined that there would not be any confrontation between different institutions adding, “This government would ensure working relationship with every institution.”

Responding to a question, he said his party was not against the armed forces. He, however, said the establishment and armed forces were used for the vested interest.

About release of Dr. Qadir Khan, he said, Dr. Qadir is the hero of the nation and the PDA would make all effort inside and outside the parliament for his release.

Sherry Rehman on Priorities

PPP Leader, Sherry Rehman Monday said that PDA government would ensure accountability and transparency with cooperation of media.

Talking to media outside the Parliament House, she said this is government of the people and all the decisions would be taken with consensus.

Paying glowing tribute to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, she said the democracy has completely been restored owing to her sacrifice for the country and democracy.

“Today, every person is happy over restoration of democracy in the country but at the same time every heart is mourning the tragic assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” he added.

“The Late Prime Minister gave her life for the rights of the people,” she added.
Sherry Rehman also confirmed that PPP Co-Chairperson, Asif Ali Zardari and Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will not attend oath-taking ceremony of the Prime Minister to be held in the President House.●