Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari says the government has accepted the court decision against Gilani, but in protest “to avert further crises”, SAMAA reports on Wednesday.

The remarks may set off a new row amid fresh political turmoil.

Zardari said this while chairing a meeting of ruling PPP’s parliamentary party alongwith former Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in the Presidency here.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declared Gilani disqualified from holding a seat in the parliament in Speakers ruling case.

Sources said the top party brass held consultation with PPP
Senators and MNAs over election of a new Prime Minister and fielding of candidate for which the party woos its present and former allies.

The election will be held on June 22 in the National Assembly session.

“We will debate the Supreme Court decision as we have reservations over it…We have accepted the ruling but in protest, only to not let the democracy derail,” Zardari reportedly said in the meeting.

Sources said the PPP lawmakers reposed confidence in President Zardari and empowered him for the election of a new PM.

“The new Prime Minister will be elected in the greater interest of this country and its institutions,” he said.

“Clash among institutions is dangerous for the democracy, and the PPP will keep alive its tradition of rendering sacrifices for this country,” Zardari affirmed.

On the occasion, sources said, Zardari paid tribute to former PM Gilani for his services, saying that Yousuf Raza Gilani followed the Constitution in all his decisions. -- SAMAA