ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the PML-N could not even launch a short march, adding that he 'enjoys complete immunity' in discharge of his duty under the Constitution and will continue to serve.
Talking to newsmen here Monday, he insisted the "judiciary cannot disqualify any public representative and only the Speaker of National Assembly can decide about it. I will only listen to directions of the Speaker who if asks me to leave I will immediately accept and go to the people."
On the PML-N's demand that he (Gilani) should resign after being sentenced by the Supreme Court in the contempt of court case, he said "I am a public representative and will not come or leave office on whims of Sharif courts. Why PML-N is in a hurry and not in a mood even to wait for detailed judgment of the apex court and exercise his right of appeal."
Gilani asserted that there was no constitutional crisis in the country. "It is only question of interpretation by Sharif brothers. Nawaz went to the apex court in haste in Memo case in a bid to topple the government but he could not."
"PPP did not criticise PML-N when its top leadership took a long flight to Jeddah from Adiala prison but questioned that under which court order they did so."
On PML-N announcement to launch agitation, Gilani contended that PPP was better placed to launch movements. "Not to speak of long march‚ PML-N cannot even organize a short march."
The PM maintained that he has not been convicted on corruption charges or immorality. "It was in respect of judiciary that I appeared before the apex court three times. We have always followed the Constitution and the opposition should also demonstrate patience in its conduct."
On alleged involvement of his son Ali Musa Gilani in Ephedrine case‚ he said he asked Ali Musa to return back immediately from abroad and face investigation. He has already appeared before Anti Narcotics Force officials and let the court decide the case, he stated.
About recent drone attack in Miranshah despite parliament's recommendations against these‚ Prime Minister said Pakistan and the United States are engaged in preliminary negotiations. "One can comment once the process is complete. Parliamentary recommendations also require expulsion of foreign fighters from Pakistan and commitment not to allow use of our soil for attacks on any other country," he observed. (PPI)