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Summary National Assembly speaker submits written reply in Supreme Court.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed hearing of the identical petitions filed against NA Speaker Fehmida Mirzasruling in contempt case against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.During case proceeding, Chief Justice remarked that PM Gilani has become ineligible after being convicted by Supreme Court as stated in the applications. He said isn’t it a reality that a convicted person is currently representing 180 million Pakistanis.Chief Jusitce further said that the applicants stated that a convicted PM is presenting budget and holding cabinet sessions, adding that PM is the representative of the country not of a single party.“A prime minister does not only represent a party, but is also a countrys representative.” he said.Aitzaz Ahsan, counsel of PM Gilani, while presenting his arguments said that applications against the ruling of NA Speaker do not qualify for the hearing.Attorney general Irfan Qadir also submitted the written reply of NA speaker Fehmida Mirza in Supreme Court.Chief Justice said that supremacy of law and constitution is judiciarys top priority and asked Aitzaz Ahsan to avoid giving references of controversial cases including Musharraf, Nusrat Butto and ZA Bhutto cases.Meanwhile, Aitzaz Ahsan replied that he has never compromised on law and constitution for his political affiliations. He said he wouldnt have supported lawyers movement in 2007 if it was not the case.He maintained that PM Gilani didn’t appeal because he was not declared ineligible in the contempt of court verdict.In his submission, Aitzaz Ahsan said that the case is not maintainable as the ruling of theSpeaker could not be challenged at any forum.
