Grand Trunk Road

Anwar Khan at the Business Recorder reports¹ that the legal fraternity is likely to take key decisions at its meeting on Saturday May 16. “including launching of a long-march from Lahore to Islamabad, besieging of the President House, some other government premises in the capital and running of a “Judicial Bus” of deposed judges to start judiciary’s reinstatement campaign.” When asked about the role of the various political parties in this campaign (which may last up to a year and will possibly involve lawyers across the country boycotting court proceedings) President of Karachi Bar Council (KBC), Mehmood-ul-Hassan was skeptical that the PPP would support them but stated that the PML-N had taken bold decisions regarding the issue.

The Online International News Network is reporting² that the PML-N information secretary Ahsan Iqbal told journalists in a press conference (after a meeting with members of a US think thank) that it would not be possible for a democratic government to block the movement for restoration of judges. He added that the APDM (a thirty-two party political alliance opposed to the rule of Musharraf) was united with the PML-N regarding the restoration of the judiciary.

A slight point of confusion for me is the mysteriously named US think tank that Iqbal was meeting with. Is there really a think tank called Fifty, Fifty?

¹Key decisions about lawyers’ drive likely today
²President Musharraf directives being complied with in centre: PML-N from The Online International News Network

Rehman describes the new governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, as someone who “has variously been called a chartered accountant, a PPP stalwart, a media baron and a businessman who specialised in finding Gulf money for profitable ventures in Pakistan, is most significantly known for his pro-Musharraf views” Taseer was also elected as the Federal Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives in the Caretaker government of PM Muhammad Mian Soomro for four months in the winter of 2007-2008. The PPP spokesperson Farhatullah Babar told reporters that the matter of Taseer’s appointment had been discussed with the PML-N chief minister of Punjab Khawaja Asif but Asif rejected the suggestion that he had approved the decision.

Article: Taseer takes drama to a new height: Appointment exposes fissures in PPP-PML-N coalition

Author: Asha’ar Rehman

Publication: The Dawn

The News reports that senior PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has termed the appointment of Salman Taseer as governor of Punjab part of the a conspiracy. Speaking at a press conference from Nawaz Sharif’s residence, Chaudhry Nisar stated that Taseer was not a suitable for the position as he is a highly controversial person. Taseer has numerous corruption and tax evasion charges pending against him.

Article: Appointment of Taseer as Governor Punjab ‘part of conspiracy’: Ch. Nisar
Publication: The News

This editorial takes a pessimistic view of the consequences of the PML-N’s withdrawal from the ruling coalition. It cites the difficulty of restoring the pre-emergency judiciary since that will lead to possible destabilising confrontations with the President, the Army and the current judiciary. Any constitutional amendment attempting to solve the crisis will need a 2/3 majority to be pushed through. In the meantime, the looming financial and economic crisis is further threatening stability. The article touches on a proposal by Lahore economists to alleviate the food crisis by issuing food stamps to needy citizens.

Article: Problems that lie ahead
Author: The Daily Times Editorial Board
Publication: The Daily Times