NA endorses pro-democracy resolution

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Monday endorsed a resolution in favour of democracy originally moved by Awami National Party (ANP) leader Asfandyar Wali Khan, DawnNews reported.

Addressing the NA session, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that it was a “welcome day for democracy”.

“The parliament is free to elect the leader of the house. If somebody does not like us, they are free to initiate a no-confidence movement,” said PM Gilani.

“I respect the courts, and I would appear before the Supreme Court on Jan 19,” said the prime minister amid applause from assembly members.

“When I became prime minister, what was my first decision? I ordered the freedom of the judges under house arrest,” said Gilani. “We are responsible members of the Parliament and we are committed to democracy.”

The resolution asks state institutions to act strictly within constitutional “limits” while voicing “full confidence and trust” in the country’s political leadership. The resolution also calls for adherence to “the basic constitutional principle of trichotomy of powers” — in which parliament is regarded sovereign and above the executive and judiciary.

Meanwhile, members of the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Muslim League- Sherpao staged a walk out in protest.

“Speeches do not strengthen democracy,” said leader of the opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali. “There is no threat to democracy. This incompetent government is trying to support itself through this hollow resolution.”

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal termed it a “dark day in the history of the parliament.” The PML-N had proposed three amendments to the resolution on Saturday.