The news regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has been making rounds since yesterday
ISLAMABAD (Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2018 ) The news regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has been making rounds since yesterday. According to a news story published in a local newspaper on Wednesday, former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Nawaz Sharif was not in favor of the meeting but PMLN president and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif convinced him over the matter.
Although the PMLN leadership had been targeting judiciary in its recent statements, it had also kept room for a meeting between the prime minister and the chief justice. Prime Minister Abbasi had expressed his wish for this meeting. In an informal discussion with well informed leaders in PMLN, it was revealed that Nawaz was reluctant to accept the suggestion for such a meeting. However, younger brother Shehbaz played an important role in convincing him.
Nawaz had been giving a revengeful impression in his media talks outside the court after his hearing and in Punjab House. He was not agreed to any suggestion being given to ease off tensions between the judiciary and executive when, according to sources, PM Abbasi telephoned Shehbaz and pondered upon the possibilities to request a meeting with the chief justice. According to sources, Shehbaz agreed to this suggestion and then talked to his elder brother to take him into confidence.
After the final consent of Nawaz, the PM office contacted the office of the chief justice. The request was approved and finally a meeting was held between the two at 7pm on Tuesday. The chief justice informed the media half hour prior to the meeting. Sources said that Shehbaz and Abbasi both had asked for a meeting but then the former had to leave for London. There was no hurdle left for the meeting to take place after Nawaz’s consent while key PMLN leaders and PM office denied giving any statement over the meeting.
However, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, while talking to a local newspaper, said that this is nothing unusual. “When the heads of two state institutions meet, it is for the benefit of the nation,” he said, and added, “The rift between institutions is against the interest of the country.” The minister said that he did not know the details of the meeting and can only say something after he has complete information.
A PMLN senator, on condition of anonymity, said that the meeting was held on the desire of Prime Minister Abbasi. However, he denied that the meeting was an effort on behalf of the Sharif family to get some relief in the ongoing trial in the Supreme and subordinate courts. He was of the view that it would not be considered a reconciliatory measure and it would not have any effect on the trial. “It is a mere impression that there is a clash between judiciary and executive and it is important to reject it,” the senator added.
