Court suggests six options

Published January 10, 2012

• Hand down a declaration that may affect the Prime Minister's qualification to be chosen as member of the parliament. Similar action possible for apparent breach of oath against the President and Law Minister.

• Initiate contempt of court proceedings against the prime minister, the law minister and the law secretary for failing or refusing to implement the NRO judgment.

• Appointment of a Commission to execute the relevant parts of the NRO judgment under Article 187 of the Constitution.

• Opportunity to the President to claim protection under the immunity clause (Article 248) of the Constitution.

• Removal of Chairman NAB as his conduct prima facie amounts to misconduct attracting section 6(b)(i) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

• Exercise judicial restraint and let the decision be that of the people of Pakistan or their representatives in the parliament.