Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry, showing magnanimity despite great commotion in the courtroom over remarks of the Attorney General, said he (the AG) is friend.

Pleading before the three-member bench hearing the case against the National Asselmby Speaker’s ruling over conviction of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Attorney General of Pakistan Irfan Qadir said the judges took to their heels after delivering verdict against the PM Gilani.

The AG’s remarks spawned massive pandemonium and chaos in the courtroom.  The bench resumed its proceedings after the raucous lawyers were shown out after calling in the police to contain the situation.

Pointing at the the Chief Justice Chaudhry, Irfan Qadir objected as to why he is displaying so haste over the issue, as the disqualification of the PM Gilani will topple the entire system.

Brushing his hostile remarks aside and addressing the protesting lawyers, the Chief Justice Chaudhry observed that this is not the appropriate way to raise objections.

The AG Irfan had to settle down in his seat after the loud protesting uproar.

Justice Jawwad S. Khwaja remarked that he never sighted such a spectacle in 14 years, adding the entire situation gives the impression that the AG has not turned up to assist the court.

Zafar Ali Shah and Khwaja Asif pleaded before the bench on part of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Hamid Khan on part of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and AK Dogar gave arguments representing the petitioners Azhar Siddique.

Meantime, the PM Gilani’s counsel Aitzaz Ahsan requested the court to adjourn the hearing till next week; but, the court, turning down his plea, adjourned the hearing till tomorrow. SAMAA