kaira_afp_670
Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira. — Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Tuesday advised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif to avoid politics of confrontation and start politics of reconciliation in the larger interest of the country.

Speaking to APP, he said Sharif intended to create a rift between the government and the judiciary, but he faced disappointment when both pillars of the state showed mutual respect for each other.

Kaira said that Sharif was a master of confrontation with the judiciary and during his tenure, the Supreme Court was attacked and the judges had to save their lives by running away from there.

“We have sacrificed one prime minister but never disgraced the court,” he said and added that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf personally appeared before the apex court and gracefully presented his point of view, which was also appreciated by the bench.

In response to Sharif's statement that seeking time from the court tantamount to contempt of the court, the minister said it showed that “Mian Sahib” had no knowledge of law and judicial procedures.

Kaira said Sharif's statement in this regard was an attempt to dictate the court.

It is the court which has to decide that how many days should be given to a party and not Nawaz Sharif, he added.

Sharif should not be enraged over only 20 days time given to the prime minister, he said and added that  Sharif had forgotten that the court had granted him 10 years relaxation.

Opinion

Political capitalism

Political capitalism

Pakistani decision-makers salivate at the prospect of a one-party state but without paying attention to those additional ingredients.

Editorial

Spending restrictions
Updated 13 May, 2024

Spending restrictions

The country's "recovery" in recent months remains fragile and any shock at this point can mean a relapse.
Climate authority
13 May, 2024

Climate authority

WITH the authorities dragging their feet for seven years on the establishment of a Climate Change Authority and...
Vending organs
13 May, 2024

Vending organs

IN these cash-strapped times, black marketers in the organ trade are returning to rake it in by harvesting the ...
A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...