International media's take on Yousaf Raza Gilani's ouster

[maksyed]

Gilani Ouster
An International Incident
Foreign media organizations raise questions about the Supreme Court’s intentions after Yousaf Raza Gilani’s sacking.

Newsweek Pakistan | Posted on June 20, 2012.

How is the world reacting to the news of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s ouster by the Supreme Court on Tuesday? Here’s our round-up of the first drafts of history that have appeared in both the Western and regional press:

“Political Instability Rises as Pakistani Court Ousts Premier”
The New York Times

“The true target of Justice Chaudhry’s order, though, may have been President Zardari. The two men have been at odds since 2009, when Mr. Zardari opposed Justice Chaudhry’s reinstatement. They have engaged in proxy combat through the courts ever since; indeed, Mr. Gilani’s dismissal stemmed directly from his refusal to heed court orders to pursue a corruption inquiry against the president.”

“Pakistan High Court Ousts Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani”
Los Angeles Times

“Though Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry is revered in Pakistan as a bulwark against corruption, many experts believe his pursuit of the graft case against Zardari may be more of a political vendetta than a legal crusade. Their feud dates back to Zardari’s first weeks in office in 2008, when he resisted reinstating Chaudhry as chief justice. Zardari feared that Chaudhry would revive corruption charges that had dogged the Pakistani leader for years. Once reinstated, Chaudhry did exactly that.”

“Pakistan Premier Gilani Ousted From Office by Top Court”
The Washington Post

“The prospect of government upheaval in Pakistan threatens to complicate U.S. goals in neighboring Afghanistan. For months, Pakistan has blocked NATO supplies from passing through its territory into Afghanistan. Pakistan’s domestic troubles could distract attention from the Obama administration’s attempts to negotiate a reopening of the border and to earn greater Pakistani cooperation in negotiating with the Taliban.”

“Islamabad’s Judicial Coup”
The Wall Street Journal

“Having stepped in to overthrow so many civilian Presidents, the judiciary and military view coups as their prerogative and even duty. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that this time democratically elected leaders managed to stay in power for an impressive four years—Mr. Gilani is already the longest-serving civilian Prime Minister in Pakistan's history—and the coup-makers felt constrained by public revulsion at a return to military rule. Nevertheless, the self-anointed defenders of Pakistan’s interests have again succeeded in crippling Pakistan’s democracy. Mr. Zardari and Mr. Gilani may fairly be accused of bungled leadership and inept policy making. But Pakistan will never reach political maturity until democratic governments are allowed to serve out their terms at the pleasure of the people, not unelected elites.”

“Court Forces Pakistani PM Out of Office”
Financial Times

“Western diplomats warned that Mr. Gilani’s departure could expose Pakistan to a new round of instability at a time when the country is locked in a dispute with the U.S. over the future of a land supply route to Afghanistan. In the past week, angry public protests have also widened across the country over chronic electricity shortages of several hours a day. Pakistan must go to elections in the spring of 2013, but political analysts said that the precedent of the court forcing Mr. Gilani out had weakened the evolution of the country’s parliamentary democracy.”

“Political Crisis Grips Pakistan After Court Disqualifies Prime Minister”
The Independent

“The upheaval will do little to help Pakistan as it continues to confront challenges on a number of fronts, including its difficult relationship with the U.S. and debilitating power shortages that have pushed thousands of angry protesters onto the streets. Some areas of the country are suffering without power for up to 18 hours a day. Some analysts believe the turmoil could bring forward a general election, which has to be held before next spring.”

“Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Disqualified By Supreme Court”
The Guardian

“The legal drama adds to political uncertainty at a time when the government can ill afford to be distracted from a dizzying array of crises, including widespread unrest over electricity shortages and Pakistan's deeply distrustful relationship with the U.S.”

“Supreme Court Strips Gilani of Prime Ministership”
The Hindu

“The disqualification brought into sharp focus the clash between the judiciary and the government that began in 2009 when the Supreme Court annulled an amnesty on corruption cases granted by the previous Musharraf regime. President Asif Ali Zardari was the most important beneficiary of the amnesty.”

“Pak SC Disqualifies Gilani From PM’s Post on Contempt Charges … And Manmohan Thought He Had it Tough”
India Today

“Despite enjoying the support of lawyers across the country, the Chief Justice has been accused by legal experts of acting in a biased manner against the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party and especially President Zardari.”

“Pakistan’s Judicial Coup”
The Daily Beast

“There are very few good guys in Pakistani politics, only worse and the less-worse. The Supreme Court has dismissed the prime minister for refusing to press corruption charges against the president. And yes, very likely the president is corrupt, and the prime minister venal. But the Supreme Court is corrupt too! And in cahoots with the militarists and the Islamists! So it's hard to choose sides.”

To comment on this article, email letters@newsweek.pk

[maksyed]

And here is Crime Minister's thought .......

[آزاد امیدوار]

[wadaich]

See the reaction of western media on the ouster of their operator. Shame on these morons.

[wadaich]

A pic worth million words.

[Mansoor Khan]

I dont understand if rule of law is more important or democracy? why are these western guys mixing it up and are siding with corrupt people against judiciary. if there is a same scenario in their country which sides they would take can anyone ask them?

[barca]

[tz00007]

Our so called liberals are at front to propagate a false picture of pakistan...


to show that the SC is the evil one and they removed "democratic" and awam dost govt...

day by day i agree more with IK, ye murdar log hein, really the scum of pakistan... they not only made pakistan slave but spread a negative picture all around the world...

[tz00007]

becoz the west will always love their slaves.. they would always want their slaves to rule pakistan so they can do watever they want.. and wat best slave can be from a PPP govt?? they r literally ready to sell their daughters to west.. wat else would they want? lolz..

I dont understand if rule of law is more important or democracy? why are these western guys mixing it up and are siding with corrupt people against judiciary. if there is a same scenario in their country which sides they would take can anyone ask them?