Governor Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, has said that the movement of restoration of former Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, is not the lawyers' movement but it is movement of only few power hungry people. He expressed his views during a meeting with a delegation of more than 300 lawyers belonging to various bar associations of Punjab led by Khawaja Tariq Sohail and Asif Puri advocates at his office on Saturday.
He added that those lawyers who are know of the nobility of their profession they can never be part of this movement, as the purpose behind this movement is to destroy the democratic system and lawyers know very well that long march is a conspiracy against democracy. He stressed legal fraternity to join hands of government to root out conspiracy against democracy, which is being played under the cover of lawyers' movement.
During the meeting the Governor said that except two or three judges, all judges have been restored, adding that there is difference between political struggle and war of interest.
Commenting on the Governor Rule in Punjab, Salmaan Taseer said that Mian Nawaz Sharif himself had imposed Governor Rule during his tenure in 1993 in Punjab, while President Asif Ali Zardari has imposed it after the verdict of apex court on the disqualification of Mian Shahbaz Sharif, and absence of chief minister has created constitutional vacuum and to fill the vacuum President had to take decision of imposition of Governor Rule.
Salmaan Taseer said that neither Punjab Assembly nor the basic rights of the people have been suspended, moreover, media is working with complete freedom and every political development is being given full coverage.
The Governor said that President Asif Ali Zardari, as a co-chairman of PPP promoted the conciliation policy after election of February 18, 2008 and joined hands with all past political opponents to strengthen democratic system in the country by respecting the mandate of all parties in centre and provinces.
He further said that the disqualification of Sharif brothers is the decision of Supreme Court, as Lahore High Court had already declared them disqualified and Government of Pakistan itself went to appeal against their disqualification.
It is unfortunate that it is a judicial matter and the government has no concern with it. The Governor will run the affairs of the province as Chief Executive till the election of new Chief Minister as the constitution of Pakistan has given these powers to him.
Expressing their views on this occasion, lawyers' leaders ensured their support with the government and those who support long march they don't have good intention and the lawyers' community will not be trapped by them.