Qadri’s demands unconstitutional and cannot be accepted: Kaira

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister, Qamar Zaman Kaira said Tahir ul Qadri’s demands are unconstitutional and could not be accepted, adding if Qadri’s demands were in line with the constitution, the government and all political parties would consider them.

Addressing a press conference, Kaira said Qadri has only one demand; the dissolution of the parliament and collapse of the government, adding that he has demanded that the election commission be dismembered and reconstituted but failed to suggest how a ‘neutral’ Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) be set up.

Addressing Qadri’s demand of dissolving the Election Commission, Kaira said that the hief Election Commissioner was respected by all and the ECP was made up of respectful judges. Kaira questioned what problems Qadri had with the ECP and stated that the Election Commissioner and all four provincial Election Commissioners were appointed constitutionally.

Commenting on Qadri’s demand for setting up a caretaker government with consultation of the army and judiciary, Kaira said the constitution gives the presidency, its committee and the Election Commission the right to form a caretaker government, adding that dual nationals cannot come into the country and demand to form a caretaker government.

Kaira further said that an impartial caretaker government will be put in place and the president will have no role in its formation.

In response to Qadri’s demand for election candidates to be in compliance with article 62 and 63 of the constitution, Kaira said all candidates were scrutinized during the nomination process and eligibility was decided by the courts. The Information Minister, however, added that Qadri’s demands themselves were not in compliance with article 62 and 63 of the constitution.

Kaira further said that Qadri could not use the law as an excuse to demand violations of it.

Requesting Qadri to stop using innocent women and children as human shields to protect him, Kaira said that Qadri’s long march could have been stopped but has been allowed to exercise his democratic right. He further requested Qadri to control his tone and remain within the norms of decency otherwise he too will also have to adopt his ways.

Kaira said that free fair elections will take place in keeping with the constitution and as per the Supreme Court orders, the government has given a written declaration saying the elections will proceed on time.

Kaira further told Qadri, that if he wants political reforms then he should give his manifesto, register a political party, abandon Canadian nationality, ask people to vote for him and sit in the parliament according to public mandate.