Viewers are invited to express their opinion on the events leading to and the future implications of the suspension of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah followed by the resignation of President Farooq Leghari.
Dec 97
"The foundations of our already fragile democratic institutions stand further weakened. CJ Shah was only trying to protect and strengthen the freedom of opinion and the right to due course of law by suspending the 14th amendment and the Anti-terrorism Act, both of which violated all norms of modern jurisprudence."
-Humayun Hasan
"Despite the political differences, the leadership was able to resolve the issues peacefully, without bloodshed, and without another military rule. We probably need to revisit some provisions of the constitution to ensure that we have the appropriate "checks and balances". Pakistan is new at "democracy", such tests of the system are part of normal maturing of a democratic nation."
-Sardar Babar
"I want to congratulate CJ Sajjad Ali Shah for his brave stance. I wish we had more Judges like him. He stood stolid for constitution and justice -justice that does not discriminate between a common man and a prime minister, neither does it compromise for personal gains."
-Anonymous
"Rule of the jungle prevails in Pakistan. No wonder the people of Pakistan are suffering, and every structure of decency is at the brink of collapse. Nawaz Sharif is a rich man and history of this tiny nation shows that rulers from a rich background, are careless about the poor in Pakistan."
-Javed Akhtar
"I think there couldn't have been a better solution than what has been achieved. My sincere thanks to the Chief of the Army staff, who I believe was the final decision maker. It would have been extremely damaging for the country had an elected government, which swept the elections, and has been in power for only nine months, been thrown out of power. As a common citizen of Pakistan I would have taken it as an insult of my vote."
-Amjad Sheikh
Toronto, Canada.
"What happened was very sad for all of us, particularly the Pakistanis living abroad, because other nationalities tease us. Countries are making advances in technology, while, by every passing year, we are going behind. Hopefully Pakistan will now 1regain its goodwill."
-Nasir
UK
"In my point of view, the resignation of the President and the Chief Justice was very good for the nation. As people from other countries here, had been laughing at our country's problem. They always say that our country will not prosperous because whenever any government comes, some problem occurs and at last the President has to sack the elected government on corruption charges."
-Khwaja Muhammad Hussain
"Thank God - the best solution of the crisis has taken place. We must learn a few lessons from this very alarming episode. First, the rule of contempt of court must be abolished. Second, Sajjad Ali Shah must be tried for treason or for putting his personal interest before the national one. "
-Shahbaz Azmi
Dubai
"I personally think that there should be no sympathies for Mr. Leghari or Mr. Sajjad Ali Shah. The haste shown by both these gentlemen, has clearly indicated that they were never considering the betterment of the nation at large, but their personal interests. Mr. Leghari resigned only when he had no choice, otherwise I am sure he would have loved to continue enjoying the luxurious life at the expense of the taxpayers."
-Tahir Malik
Islamabad
"It was a sigh of relief to see the president stepping down. It was a wise decision made not only in the interest of the country but also to strengthen democracy."
-Khushnood Zia
Pakistan
"Leghari and CJ have almost brought the nation to a collapse. It is not a hidden fact that the present crisis was master-minded by none other than the President abetted by the CJ. My thanks and congratulations to the Army and particularly to COAS, who, unlike his predecessor in 1993, was able to foresee and take the right side."
-Ikhlas Ahmed
"Mr. Sharif has proved himself no different than Benazir Bhutto, or Zia-ul-Haq or any other self-centred politician cum dictator, who deludes himself with the belief that he owns Pakistan; but the truth is far from that. Pakistan is probably owned by the IMF or the World Bank. I must appreciate President Leghari for gracefully moving out of this mess."
-Syed Raza Bokhari
"This change is healthy and favourable to the country. The Chief Justice instigated a chaos in the country to use his power contrary to the restoration of democracy. His previous decisions have also hurt many patriots. The president's resignation was his only choice. On the contrary, Nawaz Sharif is not a clean-handed person, but he was elected democratically. He, certainly, prioritise the uplift of the economic growth and democratic system."
-Hayee Basharat
"The selection of the new president should be from amongst the senior, loyal and honest people still available in the country. Now the PM, the acting CJ and the COAS are from Punjab, the presidency should go to some other province. May I take the liberty of suggesting the names of Hakim Saeed, Wali Khan or some retired general from the other provinces."
-Javed Yusuf
"I feel ashamed of the attitudes of the higher-ups in my country. This crisis was the worst exhibition of the huge egos of people who were supposed to be most careful in their moves. I think all of the three parties in the crises (PM, CJ and President) have done their utmost to prove their incapability and inability for performing their respective jobs."
-Rauf-i-Azam
"Did the Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice learn anything from their very personal differences? What was the cost the nation had to pay? Will anyone be held responsible for all the mess and brought to justice? Will any one feel and realise the pain and injuries suffered by ordinary citizens? All of us should try to find answers to the above questions and learn a lesson."
-Asrar Saeed
"Nawaz Sharif has to accept his responsibilities. He was the one who started all this and instead of feeling guilty or ashamed, he was blaming the president for refusing an illegal act."
-Sohail Abbas Syed
"Nawaz Sharif started all this when he refused to appoint the five judges. He had the right to reject any of them with reasons. But he did not. And that started this controversy. He was afraid of the cases against him before the Supreme Court; the ISI case where IJI was given funds and the case when he gave plots to his loved ones during the time he was a chief minister."
-Allauddin Keen
"I don't know much about Pakistan, but it's clear that this Nawaz Sharif is some kind of sub-human creature. This is disgusting that a man like Leghari should have to resign. As a Muslim I am appalled. All Muslims should pray that The Master Allah (saw) forgive these corrupt Pakistani politicians for what they have done."
-Eren Tasar
"There is only one thing that can be said at this point, that is, Nawaz's thirst for power and his victory has left no doubt in our minds that Pakistan is heading for a disaster!"
-Zia Haider
"Judges have really disappointed the nation. The whole saga has flustered every Pakistani all over the world. Shame on every one responsible for all the crisis."
-Khalid Jamil
Bangkok
"Titles like President, Prime Minister and CJ are not supposed to let any personal ego mar their decisions. That can have long term consequences on the nation. That's what both Leghari and Shah did. This should be stopped. It's about time, these people should realise they are there to serve the nation not to nourish their egos."
-Zahid
"In light of the President's resignation and the removal of the Chief Justice, I am cautiously optimistic. I am optimistic because for now it seems as though the crisis has ended and there is hope that this will bring political and economic stability in Pakistan. However, I am afraid that these events will lead to a potential dictatorship by the PML with Nawaz Sharif having absolute power."
-Ali Mian
Guelph, Ontario
Canada
"As a criminal justice professor in the United States, I believe that Justice Sajjad and Leghari did a great disservice to Pakistan. If our judges for their personal agenda, can become so vindictive, then what can one expect from our corrupt oligarchy."
-Fida Mohammad, Ph.D.
USA
"I would say that it's a total loss for Pakistan. President Leghari is such a great man and a crystal-clean politician. After late President Gen. Ayub Khan & President Gen. Zia, he is a man on whom we young generation can trust."
-Ijaz Ahmed Awan
"The whole situation was a result of our Prime Minister's intervention in the judicial system. But the bad luck of our country is, that in the past, as well as at present, our leaders have always thought about themselves and not about the country. That is the reason why Pakistan is in such a miserable situation."
-A Common Pakistani
"It is not a time to rejoice. I hope the stability prevails and the children stop their quarrels. Not many tears will be shed at the ouster of CJ."
-KH Chowdhary
"If by resignation or retirement of a few personalities, we can have stronger institutions, then let us opt for strength of system and institutions. It will benefit the country in the long run."
-Shahid Masud.
Queen's University of Belfast, U.K.
"The President and the CJ made it a personal agenda rather than a constitutional and judicial matter. I hope Mr. Mian Nawaz Sharif, will take punitive measures against the violators of law."
-Shafiq M Rammay,
Mukhtar A Chaudhry,
Irfan A Chaudhry,
Sarfraz Khan, Farooq Khan
and many others
"From now onwards Pakistan's Judiciary will be considered the most unreliable in the world. All praise to Farooq Leghari to have taken a wise decision."
-N. Mobashar
"Everybody saw the Supreme Court being invaded by Nawaz's cronies. We have a PM who is responsible for this and tarnishing whatever is left after Benazir. God help us!"
-Naim Khan
"I salute president Leghari for his stand. He is a man of principles. History will never forgive us for forcing him to resign. A person like Leghari will never be born again. The same applies to Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah. Nothing will happen except that there will be a complete dictatorship in the country. People will soon realise the mistake they have done."
-James Khan
"Mian Sahib now needs to remember that if he fails now his fate will be no different than that of Bhutto and Zia ul Haq, who were unable to control and utilise their unlimited powers in the interest of the public. Nawaz Sharif has the whole ground open for him. He can either hit a six or be caught off a long hop. Allah has given Pakistan one more chance to prosper and lead the Islamic world."
-Asad Ali Qureshi
"It appears that the only loser is Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah. He not only entangled himself in a power struggle, but also failed to provide unbiased leadership to the court for his own benefit."
-Irfan Toor
Plano, Texas
"While Nawaz Sharif and company may continue celebrate in their orgy of self-congratulation, the real losers in the process are the democratic institutions of the country. In particular, the harm done to the sanctity and credibility of the Supreme Court cannot be undone in the near future."
-Hasnain Aslam
Harvard College, Class of 1998
"Mr.Leghari is solely responsible for this mess, who used Mr.Shah (ex-chief Justice) to gain his evil rights to dissolve the elected parliament, and hence stop Mr. Nawaz Sharif from making some progress."
-Tariq Zaman
"The world is moving towards the highest pointof technology and here we are trying to overcome our judicial differences, and retain the government (seats). I think now people won't even believe in our judiciary where ten judges are trying to overcome the other five."
-Nawaid Rehman
"The people of Pakistan have won. Now I sincerely hope that the individuals who had held the nation hostage for the past two months are severely dealt with."
-Shaheryar
"I fully support the PM in completion of his five-year term in office. Though, like everybody else, I can also smell "dictatorship" in all his actions."
-Syed Ghazanfar Abbas
New Zealand
"It was a shame to see the power brokers of Pakistan fighting amongst themselves to see who will come out a winner without caring for the interest of Pakistan. The world watched as they quarrelled like kids and the image of Pakistan was shattered in the eyes of world community."
Shakeel Kouser
Birmingham USA
"Farooq Leghari's resignation and the suspension of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah were in the best interest of Pakistan. No patriot of Pakistan can even imagine undoing the 13th amendment, which clearly is harmful to Pakistan, and Mr. Sajjad Ali Shah tried to do so. This shows his ill intentions. I'm very glad and relieved to see that cool heads rule the Army."
-Shaheen Malik
Frederick Maryland USA
"President Leghari has done the honourable thing and emerged as a winner. He has quashed all controversies centred towards him and proved to the nation that he is not a malicious politician."
-Saqib I Hussain
Denver, CO
U.S.A.
Tariq Munir Qureshi.
Gujranwala. Pakistan
"I appreciate Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari's step which shows how much he loves the country and democracy. At the same time , he proved he had no lust for power and in fact saved the nation from the disaster. There should be some checks and balances on the present government so that it functions under constitutional provisions, not by its own rule."
Syed Mahmood Ul Hassan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
"I was saddened to hear of the President Leghari's resignation and the subsequent removal of dCJ Shah. It was a sad day for Pakistan. The PM to have absolute power and be able to get away with it.... is a travesty. Reminds me of pre-war Germany with Adolf Hitler in power! I am also quite incensed with the judges of the Supreme Court. How could they be so politicised?"
Saud
Washington, DC
"I think Leghari did the right thing by resigning. In my opinion, he was not fit for the post of president in a country where the criteria for any political post is corruption and and "chori".
Anonymous
"This crisis, though intensified by the follies of the government, was actually fermented by those quarters who oppose any fundamental changes to the current corrupt political set-up in Pakistan. The President and the outgoing CJ were tools in the hands of these people and were conspiring to nullify the effects of such reforms as the repeal of the 8th amendment, the 14 amendment, and ultimately the process of Ehtesaab. Thank God the crisis has ended with the triumph of democracy in Pakistan."
Zulfiqar Ahmed
USA
"The chief justice is gone. Some people might think that they are the winners, but in fact the people of the country are the losers."
Syed Abdul Ali.
I can think of so many names! Asif Iqbal, Majid Khan, Hasan Sardar, Hanif Khan, Nur Khan, Arif Abbasi, Miandad, Asghar Khan, Nawabzada etc. All these people were icons of excellence in their respective traits, but ended up fading away from the picture in most unfortunate ways as they didn't know when and how to quit. Mr. Shah is the latest addition to the list."
Amir K. Kedwaii
Chicago, USA.
"I believe that the outcome is positive in the short and
medium term."
Faisal Aziz
I think it was one of the worst crises faced by the constitutional institutions. The government should send a reference against Justice Sajjad Ali Shah to the Supreme Judicial Council. At the same time, the Supreme Court should take up corruption cases against the Prime Minister."
Asghar Ali
Minnesota USA
"What happened in Pakistan was only deplorable. Looks like we will never learn from our mistakes. Although there is still time to re-build our country, alas, where is the vision? Only despair and regret will remain if we do not learn from our mistakes in time. God help Pakistan, as its rulers have tried their best to destroy it."
Sultan Niazi
"The constitutional crisis culminating in the resignation of the president is a manifestation of the absurd battle of personal agendas rather than consideration for larger interests. It is most unfortunate that the judges of the Supreme Court lost their judicial minds and acted against the Chief Justice. It is my strong belief that if they had stuck together and remained solvent, supremacy of the law would have prevailed, thus preventing the 'democratic dictatorship' that has now been established in Pakistan."
Kamal K. Jabbar
"Luckily we have managed to get country out of another grave debacle through a political channel which looked impossible at many stages of this bizarre turmoil.The architects of this dreadful situation were mainly Justice Sajjad Ali Shah , Farooq Laghari and certainly, Prime Minister Sharif also cannot be exempted from mishandling the affair along with his advisers."
Saud K Bajwa
Galway-Ireland
"I think Nawaz Sharif should also resign from his post because his procrastinating in implementing the judges' case caused this entire crisis. This was the saddest period in the history of Pakistan. I think Nawaz Sharif and his ministers should be tried in the SC for causing this damage to the country."
Karim Zulfikar
"I think Leghari's decision to resign was very wise and timely in the present political crisis faced by Pakistan. But, PM Nawaz Sharif should also step down, as he too has clearly violated the law."
-Amyn
"I believe that the colonial system developed by the British to rule their colony has started to rot. What we are experiencing is the bad odour of a dying stinking system."
Dr. M. Ajmal Khan
Provo, Utah, USA
"Current debacle in Pakistan is most disappointing. Clash of egos and mean spirited conduct of the ruling elite of Pakistan bodes very poorly for the future of Pakistan. The emergence of a new democratic government held some hope, but the present fiasco has probably dealt a fatal blow to this hope!"
Aslam Malik,
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A
" I think that by aggravating the already critical situation of the country at this time proves that none of the present leaders are sincere with the nation. Pakistan's future is most questionable with such leaders who hunger more for power than for the success of the country."
Adeel Ikram,
Manchester, U.K.
"If there is no respect for the judiciary in a country, what is it then that the people of that country follow? Its incompetent leaders?
No one cares about the people of this country. All these government officials have huge egos. There is nothing that can be done."
-A concerned citizen.
"Leghari and Sajjad Ali Shah certainly were not a great president and a great chief justice, however, Nawaz Sharif has made sure that they go down in history as great people who fought for principles and went down fighting."
-Fazli
Qadir
Chicago
"Ex-president Farooq Leghari and Ex-Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah were leading the country towards destruction, and by the grace of God they are now no more in power. My humble request to the PM is that 'please do not indulge in disputes and think for the future of the country."
-Ghulam Hussain Malik
Toronto, Canada
" Nawaz Sharif got a second life. It is time for him to check the drawbacks of his policies and improve the country's economy. I 'm not sure whether the move made by the President was justice with him or not, but anyway the crisis is over."
-Rashad Ali Shah
Montreal ,Canada
"It's very sad to see our country going down the drain"
-Asif
"I'm happy that democracy prevails and Nawaz government is still in power. Now it's up to him to keep his words that he cared and what he said to the nation was the truth. I can't imagine how a country, like ours, which is so economically strained, could afford two elections in one year, when we already know how much our politicians spend on a campaign."
-Kwaja Atiq-ur-Rahman
USA
"It was one of the happiest day in my and my family's life when Benazir was ousted and Nawaz was elected by such a great margin. But it has now become a nightmare to see what Nawaz actually is. He masterminded the plot to destroy every institution, so he could become a dictator."
-Anonymous
"The events of the past few days have put into sharp focus the crisis which afflicts the institutions of state. Although Nawaz Sharif may be firmly in charge, there is no winner in this sorry drama. Nawaz Sharif challenging the court's authority, was most unfortunate, and the response of the CJ in challenging the supremacy of parliament and involving the president, was bound to end in failure. One last remaining hope of revitalised judiciary also appears to have fallen by the wayside - not much left to hope for."
-Anonymous
"The government won the elections and got a mandate. The Prime Minister has so far played a very positive role in the whole crisis, as he took back his decision of impeaching the President, and then calling the CJ in front of the parliamentary committee. The government had a real shake in the last couple of days of this crisis, and the prime minister never deserved this kind of treatment. The CJ was doing what the president was saying. He was ditched by his own so called brother judges."
-Tariq Khan
"The last stronghold of law and order has been undermined by the power hungry individuals, whose only mandate is to retain their positions in power. The storming of the court premises, almost as sacred to the country's judicial system as a mosque, is an event of great shame for the nation."
-Amir Husain Toronto, Canada
"Both president and CJ, were responsible for the crisis. CJ was wrong in depriving the parliament of performing its duty -which is Legislation- because that is the only institution elected by the public and will be accountable to the public in the next election."
-Sajid Chaudhry
"Each of the three institutions shares the blame for the current situation in Pakistan. Pakistan needs a new constitution, which is more democratic and very difficult to amend. A mere two-third majority to amend the constitution is a joke. An amendment to the constitution should not only require at least a 75% majority vote in each of the houses of the parliament, but it should also be approved by at least 3 out of 4 provincial assemblies, with each assembly passing the proposed amendment by at least 75% majority vote."
-Shahid J. Hashmi
"The Prime Minister Mr.Nawaz Sharif has got a chance to prove as to what he can deliver to the nation in the days to come, and in the absence of any meaningful opposition, both inside and outside the houses of the parliament. It's a test for a Pakistan entering the 21st century."
-DR.GHOLAM MUJTABA
M.S.,Ph.D.
Former Adviser to Chief Minister Sindh.
Presently in New York,U.S.A.
"In my opinion, the Chief Justice and President Leghari are men of principles and I salute both of them. Nawaz Sharif is at fault."
-Aamir
"It's very sad to see that the Law has no respect in our Country. As honourable Mr. Sajjad Shah tried to expose Prime Minister's wrong doings to the public through court, he was given such a 'lesson' which will be regretted by the forthcoming generations of Pakistan."
-Abdul Fouzi
"This is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that DEMOCRACY won the battle. Long live Pakistan."
-Anonymous
"The government has come out of a serious crisis after the resignation of the President, and once again we only have to thank God for it. The two people who planned the whole tragedy are namely the president and the Cheif Justice."
Mohsin
"The point I want to make here is, that our leaders and the judiciary have made a mockery of our democracy. They have made my country a laughing-stock. I thank God almighty for using His power once again and giving them some wisdom to see beyond their personal gains to solve this problem."
-Dr. Syed M. Pirzada
"The conduct of the Prime Minister & (his cronies) was despicable. They have again proved that justice in Pakistan is tailor-made to serve only those who have money and the power at their disposal. The Prime Minister and others, perhaps in their ignorance, ridiculed the Supreme Court, the Constitution and the Nation. "
-Anonymous
" It was a nightmare, thanks to God that it had a happy ending. I personally feel that the nation should be thankful to the out going president and the chief justice for teaching our bullies in assemblies, a lesson. And now they should strengthen Nawaz Sharif's hands with sincerity so that he could concentrate on the betterment of the people."
-Anonymous
"The Supreme Court is not just the Judge that I like. It is a basic principle of democracy that whenever there is a controversy, majority prevails. No amount of hate for Nawaz can justify the restoration of the 8th Amendment. At least no democrat worth his salt can support that."
-Ijaz Khan
Peshawar
" The condensation of all political powers in a single hand of the Prime Minister predicts something new in Pakistani politics. If these powers are used for constructive objectives, then it's excellent, otherwise it may lead to a complete instability and collapse of all institutions. The resignation of Farooq Ahmad Leghari was the need of the country. She will long remember his sacrifice. I am proud of his act, especially at this time. The role of the Chief Justice was tantamount to his status."
-Dr Nasrullah Khan
Lecturer Engineering
UPM Malaysia.
The politico-judicial crisis in Pakistan has been as nerve raking for Pakistanis abroad as for those back home. Mr Nawaz Sharif who just survived the crisis, and should not be seen as a winner, has a very responsible role to play. He should turn all his, and his teammates', potential, energies and attention towards the revival of a shambling economy. He should stop bothering about the selective accountability and let the Supreme Court decide the cases involving him on merit.
-Arshed Bhatti
" After the ouster of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, the judiciary would become weak and no judge in future would dare to deliver any judgement against the government. Even if there was a courageous judge, he would think a thousand times to give verdict against any government."
-K. M. Tunia
"I personally believe this whole thing got out of hand because of the ill advice received by PM from his allies, but I will definitely put some blame on the CJ too. I'm not sure as to what extent was the President involved in this.
To me, he did a good job and seems to be sincere with the country."
Jamal
" I believe that the President wanted to run the country by himself.He dismissed the Benazir government and now wanted to dismiss this one.The President was behind the so-called Chief Justice. The CJ was running a dictatorship.
The people in a democracy are in charge. The people elect the Parliament and the latter, therefore, must be a highly regarded and powerful institution."
- Qaiser Mahmood
"The political situation in Pakistan will never improve no matter who leaves or comes. Who is responsible for all this mess? I firmly believe that it is the army which is to be blamed for everything that has occurred in this beautiful country so far, and as long as this army is present with its massive defence budget, there won't be any peace in Pakistan."
Mazhar Hussain
"Nawaz Sharif has no right to govern Pakistan. Even Pakistan's Supreme Court has lost its credibility."
Ahmed
"Today is a very sad day in the history of Pakistan. The saddest part is that the government is celebrating the destruction of institutions as its victory. Nations start to vanish when no respect is shown to the sanctity of institutions and political leaders start thinking that mandate means they are above the law. Things may settle down in the next few days but the consequences in the long-run will be far-reaching."
- Zamir Iqbal
"In my view it's a very good sign for Pakistan and its economy. Since the last so many weeks, Pakistan's economy had been declining badly. Now when the Government will estabilised, it is obvious that the economy will boost up."
- Mr Muhammad Nawaz Bajwa
"The Chief Justice abused the judicial activism and independence to the extent that he almost destroyed the whole system. Unfortunately the casualities from this whole debacle were the office of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court of Pakistan. I couldn't believe that the CJ would be blinded by the vengeance to such an extent that he
would suspend the 13th Amendment. Is that what you call independence of judiciary."
- Azam Popalzai
Arcadia, California
"My point is that people in the judiciary profession hold more responsibility in their hands than anyone else. They are second to God who is the ultimate judge of all. They need to learn to use it responsibly, and that's where the distinction of God and man comes in: God is not responsible to his creation for his actions, or so he says, but these human judges are responsible to reason and to people whose fate they hold in their hands often.
The Ex-president, Farooq Leghari, was probably the most loved person in Pakistan when he rid the country of the Benazir government. And until he resigned, there wasn't a person I know who thought Leghari was being egotistical against the interest of Pakistan. It's good for him that he resigned.
-Anonymous
The role of CJ was not a very honest one in my opinion. When I read the charge sheet, it looked so bogus. It looked like anything you say against the judgement was a ontempt of court. He even broke many rules in the process to accomplish his objectives. They both tried very hard to involve the army.If anything was positive in this whole episode, it was the role of COAS and GHQ.
If the President or the CJ resigns, that is not as big a disaster as when the government resigns. So much money and time and energy is spent in rebuilding the government. Thanks God that the right thing happened.
-Syed M. Hoda.
Detroit, Michigan, USA
"It was really unfortunate the way this crisis ended. We all know by now that the worst situation in the country was created by the Prime Minister himself, as he wanted to have his control over judiciary so he would be forgiven for his all misdeeds."
S. Jamal
" I feel the just concluded executive-judiciary tussle has come to a logical conclusion ,with the prime minister being the rightful winner. I think the chief justice was exceeding the powers conferred upon him by the constitution. Now the elected prime minister can do the job for which he was elected by the people on the first place, peacefully for a change."
Muhammad Arif Tahir
Karachi
" The President's decision, though late, was the only
solution. It was a sheer personal dislike rather than any
so-called 'rule of the jungle', as Mr. Leghari put it. He used
not only his constitutional powers to prolong the matter, but
also influenced the CJ to take a 'personal' stand against an
elected PM…………
………Mr. Sharif's last tenure, Mr. Sajjad Ali Shah
was the only SC justice who
disagreed with the SC's restoration of the National Assembly.
"When two Sindhi PMs were sent home no one raised voice, but
now for a Punjabi PM, tables have turned around." (Mr. Azher
Suhail's Agencies' Government) "
Imran Lakhwera
Chicago, USA
" The current events have proved once again that the
IQTIDAR MAFIA, which includes Benazir as well as Nawaz Sharif,
has no respect for the rule of law whatsoever. There are only two
things that they care about; self-interest and their KURSI
(government). The attitude of the current government towards the
crises shows the extent of meanness and roguishness to which they
can go in order to save their Kursi."
………… In my perception, the government is the
only one to blame for the crisis, and it is the inability of
Nawaz Sharif to tackle with political problems, and his lust for
governing which caused this havoc. Isn't it clear from the events
that the crisis stemmed from Nawaz government's efforts to
establish a personal and unbridled dictatorship by subjugating
the Supreme Court and every other institution which could have
hindered their dictatorship.
Kashif Zubair
" I think it's a very wrong step taken by the Supreme Judicial Council, to remove the Chief Justice from his post."
Ab Aziz
Malaysia
" The resignation of the President is indeed unfortunate. Nawaz Sharif was pressing the President on the same matters for which the Benazir Government had been dissolved. The absolute power in one man's hand should be avoided to get the country out of trouble."
Fakhar Ahmad Khalifa
U.S.A
" It is because of him that we expatriates have to hang our heads in shame. Even Philippines is better in the matter of respect of law. The President respected the decision of the Supreme Court and promised not to run for a second term."
Mohammad Ali Khan Khattak