Pakistan – Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Exoneration

May 24, 2012

By Padmini Arhant

Pakistan Supreme Court held Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani contempt of court for not obliging order to write to Swiss Bank authority regarding President Asif Ali Zardari alleged accounts considered tax evasion despite national constitutional immunity to Presidency during term in office and,

Swiss Bank policy declining such requests on client-company confidentiality breach unless probe mandated by country’s legislation and bilateral agreement between Switzerland and Pakistan.

Prime Minister Gilani’s defense arguably based on the constitutional factor and Swiss bank customer protection deal – presented the predicament to the highest court and unfortunately failed in convincing the judiciary that ruled the verdict.

Although protocol allows Prime Minister Gilani to charter course for vindication,

The Supreme Court conviction on the head of the state impairs functionality with pervasive impact on the citizens and the nation.

The honorable Supreme Court action might be premised on national wealth recovery and rule of law establishment. Both notions are praiseworthy.

However, the judiciary bound by constitutional law in upholding national constitution that in this particular instance provides the office of Presidency impunity against investigation and legal ramifications until tenure expiry –

Perhaps generates odd situation considering truly democratic institutions are governed by constitution and any changes made possible through legislative amendment rather than judicial interpretation.

Besides individuals with Swiss Bank and other overseas accounts are legally entitled to prove legitimate earnings from otherwise prior to general assumption.

Hence given the system framework and civil rights combined with constitution granted Presidential privilege,

The misplaced target – Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani appropriately eligible for exoneration i.e. charges dismissal with prejudice.

Prime Minister Gilani compliance to the court order would be futile wasting valuable time and resources apart from causing unnecessary political rift in the first ever viable civilian rule in Pakistan.

On broader perspective – corruption and taxation revenues is a worldwide epidemic seeking collective measures beginning with tax reform in the domestic front and global treaty to enable nations in tracking and receiving tax funds owed to national exchequer or treasury.

International cooperation enforced via universal accord binding banking, commerce and economic sector not barring political structure such as governments is the only effective means to dispense with burgeoning corruption and tax fraud.

The contemporary problems for nations crippled with corruption are the tax loopholes and systemic breakdown in ethical efficacy that needs fundamental change to realize positive outcome.

With respect to Pakistan political stability – Under President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani leadership significant progress made with resolutions passed in Parliament protecting national sovereignty severely compromised until recently in U.S. led NATO military interventions and,

More inclusive cabinet appointments with caliber other than consistent strides on myriad issues especially threatening security handled adeptly demonstrating restraints and rationality.

Similarly Pakistan’s army led by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani admirably defended the nation at the critical times with internal and external challenges constantly hindering efforts against incessant violence.

Prime Minister Gilani appointed ISI Chief Lt. Gen. Zaheer-ul-Islam poignant in strengthening ties among all three branches – the government representing the people, the army focused on national defense and intelligence agency directed at eliminating potential danger from within and offshore.

Pakistan citizens deserve peace and rapid economic development deprived in the ongoing tension and extremities inside the country largely emanating from sources engaged in regional destabilization.

Parliament overwhelming majority decision defining terms and conditions on foreign powers engagement in the so-called war on terror not only deters continuous turmoil but also reminds forces to refrain from undermining Pakistan’s independent identity.

Solidarity is key in Pakistan or anywhere to resolve issues confronting the nation amid turbulence for global dominance and subjugation.

Pakistan army and intelligence commitment in disarming militancy and dismantling terror networks in the country alongside government deportation of any elements from abroad would substantially reduce killings and safeguard innocent lives across the nation.

Maintaining harmony while remaining confined to institutional role would facilitate efficient governance.

Pakistan is on the right path in pursuing diplomacy with neighbors and improving trade relations imperative to alleviate population suffering on all sides.

Nuclear free zone predominantly dependent upon United States, Israel, United Kingdom and allies leading the world in denuclearization commencing with them and abandoning their far-fetched aspirations guided by self-detrimental ideology.

The western powers indulgence evidently hurting respective economies and credibility in the international domain.

Pakistan is a sovereign nation with long possessed rights to self-determination.

Therefore unity among all branches – legislative, executive, military, intelligence and judiciary complementing one another paramount to move the nation forward in all dimensions and cherish the freedom gained from immense sacrifice until today.

Pakistan society with proud heritage, tremendous talent and courage is a strong and vibrant nation.

The youth in particular are great assets and investments in education, economy and social advancement extremely vital for nation building.

Congratulations! To Pakistan’s democratic power nearing full term and,

Good Luck! To Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari and political leaderships in peaceful resolution of the prevalent matter exercising diligence and prudence in national and republic interest.

Nations thrive when united and struggle upon divided with opportunists winning in the increasingly volatile environment.

Wishing people in Pakistan ever lasting peace and prosperity.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics 

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