Gilani disqualification: 'I knew about the verdict'

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, the counsel for former PM Gilani, said he knew about the Supreme Court verdict that is why, was not present in the courtroom, Geo News reported.

PPI adds: Aitzaz said that he expected the apex court will issue a new order to the new prime minister to write letter to the Swiss authorities, however, he added that the decision whether or not to write the letter will be taken by the new prime minister.

Talking to media persons outside the Supreme Court (SC) premises on Wednesday‚ Aitzaz has said he knew about the Supreme Court verdict that is why he left the courtroom before the final judgment, adding that it was clear from the facial expression of the judges as to what was going to be announced in Speaker ruling case.

About the decision of the three member bench disqualifying Gilani as the Member of the National Assembly as well as the PM‚ he said that Gilani has accepted his disqualification. He said the court's order has been implemented.

However‚ he said we have reservations on the judgment, lamenting that the three member bench changed the earlier decisions of a seven-member bench, hence the verdict of three-member bench was in contrast to the early verdict of a larger bench.

He said he suggested to the government to file an appeal against the contempt conviction, but political leader decided not to appeal the conviction, however he added that the same verdict would have been delivered even if an appeal had been moved.

Moreover, Aitzaz said that Pakistan Peoples Party will elect the new PM after consultation.