Removal of elected PM sad day for democracy: HRCP

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called the removal of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani a sad occasion in a country where democratic traditions have perpetually been denied the nourishment they need to take roots.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, HRCP said, "The Supreme Court judgment was perhaps not unexpected. The removal of the elected prime minister, especially in a country like Pakistan where democratic traditions are very weak, is saddening and certainly not a matter for rejoicing'.

"At this critical time, the threats to democracy require the maximum possible understanding among political parties and the country's democratic future will be undermined if they continue to fight among themselves for narrow partisan ends. Ultimately, the people have to decide who governs them and we hope that the environment will not be polluted to the extent that a fair determination of electoral will becomes impossible." (PPI)