The top PPP leadership has recently approached the legal community proposing a “Minus-One-Formula” which opens the door for a full restoration of the judiciary without the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. It is in some way living up to the Murree Declaration albeit with a few political compromises but basically a face saving package for the PML-N and its full uncompromising commitment to the restoration of Pre-Nov 3rd judges. PPP being in the driving seat will undoubtedly bull doze its own agenda while the Sharif brothers will be left biting the dust and quite literally taken for a ride (willingly or unwillingly? – time will only tell). PML in turn may accept these compromise, claiming to fulfilled part of the promise as it was a minority partner in the PPP-led parliament
It has been a fact that the present PCO-adorned CJP Justice Dogar is a PPP leaning judge and surely Asif Zardari would definitely not sacrifice this top slot to accept Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry a PML-N leaning judge, paramount to shooting himself in the foot.
It seems that for now the leading lawyer activists are claiming that none of the judges will take office without the full and uncompromisable restoration of the entire pre-Nov 3rd Judiciary, but internally there are significant rifts within the legal cadre and the instant a partial restoration (minus-one-formula) is announced most of the ‘sidelined judges’ will snap into attention abandoning the rank and file and take oath for office, with or without Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry.
This Minus-one-Formula might truly be the only workable political compromise, a let down for the civil society activists who have fought long and hard for the restoration of judiciary position, but then we may have some form of democracy aka an NRO-influenced democracy. The question for everyone, is this the best for Pakistan and will the newly restored judiciary have the power to change the system, or this restoration will be tied in with immunity clauses protecting the rank and file of existing politicians
Reported in The News: Some top legal aides of PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari have approached certain active members of the lawyers’ community to discuss a formula for the restoration of the deposed judges, which surprisingly does not include Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Justice (retd) Tariq Mehmud confirmed to The News that this strange formula called the “Minus-One-Formula” was also discussed with him recently by a top legal mind in the PPP.
Though this suggestion is in complete contrast with what was committed by the PPP and the PML-N top brass in the Bhurban Accord a few weeks back, it is not yet verified if this new formula has the backing of Asif Ali Zardari. The lawyers community, however, rules out such a move to resolve the judicial crisis. Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, when contacted, said not a single judge would be willing to return to his office if Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is not restored. Aitzaz also reiterated that lawyers would foil any attempt to subvert the Bhurban Declaration. He also alleged that the presidency was trying to subvert the Bhurban Declaration and pressurising the newly-elected democratic government through international pressure to change its stance on the Murree Declaration.
According to Justice Tariq, a PPP leader tried to convince him that the new PPP government would feel more comfortable with the present Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar instead of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
Story Credit: Yasir
Comments
8 responses to “PPP proposing “Minus-One-Formula””
This will be a complete mockery of the spirit of Justice. Today we have 2 US Diplomats in Pakistan trying to dictate their agenda. Will the men of Pakistan have the integrity to stand up for what’s right and dismiss all demands by the US govt. regarding war on terror? Or will the military pressure, the unseen hand, as usual will sell its own brothers and blood for yet more injustice, only time will tell!
Although asif zardari is labelled as bad boy in politics but whatever he did or he is doing for the last months are reflecting people’s power in state affairs.Hie coalition and conversion of hung parliment into strong parliment is one of good gestures for a dying nation who are desparetely looking to politicians for the solutions of deadly problems created by dull headed dictator.Lets give PPP time to give its final verdict on judges issues as all knows that whole credit of people awareness program goes to Ch Iftikhar.His personal stand against strongest Group of Generals has produced new spirit in weak nation and now people are enjoying the fearless atmosphere of democracy.People can also see the difference of People power that only one unarmed sentence of PM has wiped off the dictator’s verbal order that was forced and imposed on nation by using all state and military force.
I talked to one of the deposed judge [Syed Jamshaid] whether he will take oath if Chief Justice is not restored or forced to resign… he said there is no way he or any one else can do this.. because its contradict with our struggle.
Without CJ no way… and if they force CJ to become Dr Abdul Qadeer and resign then people will surround army house..Civil society + Lawyers are ready to sacrifice their lives for CJ.
Musharaf should be shameful of his act what he has done to our both heroes… Chief Justice and Dr. Abdul Qadeer
Everyone who voted for PML-n voted for iftikhar ch. i believe if this happens they should imediately leave the govt and try to get the Justice retored by sitting in opposition and taking to streets, otherwise if they are a party to this act they have no political future, they will be where PML-q is now
That is unacceptable! The CJP is our hero. He will not be betrayed. We will not allow it.
There is one group in lawyers called “dala group” or “Lahori group” (not meant for people of Lahore), Malik Qayum and Latif Khosa are leaders in that group.
Most of the time this “dala group” makes deals with establishment, Latif Khosa of PPP got his junior Ahsan Bhoon (former presedent Lahore Bar) elevated as judge of High Court recently by Musharaf.
He along with Baber Awan and few others from dala group are trying to convince Zardari on minus one formula, however its not a principal stand of PPP.
Chances of any such formula to succeed are equal to none as weak judges have already taken oath under PCO and rest of the lot wont agree on it.
New dogs playing their old tricks…
patience…