Musharraf not a legitimate president: Nawaz
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday dismissed Pervez Musharrafs presidency as illegitimate, saying the Supreme Court bench Musharraf purged to ensure a second term should be restored to rule on his election.
Hours after Musharraf was again sworn in as president, this time as a civilian, Nawaz demanded he end emergency rule and release opponents jailed after the November 3 crackdown. Under the circumstances, we do not accept him as a legitimate president, said Nawaz, adding that the judiciary of November 2 must be restored. That judiciary was thrown out by Musharraf just for personal reasons, he said in an interview with Reuters at his home. Whatever decision that judiciary gives [on his re-election]...that would be a decision which would carry legitimacy and credibility.
Nawaz said his arch rival, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairwoman Benazir Bhutto would have to join the polls boycott for it to work.
To a question about the acceptance of his nomination papers, he said, If theyve already decided to turn down my papers, then I can do nothing. There are no courts where I can go to, there is no judiciary which can address my grievances.
Posted by: Fred 2007-11-30 |