New PM election: JUI-F rejects PPP offer

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has rejected an offer by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to give backing to its candidate for the post of premiership in election being held on June 22.
It should be mentioned here that President Asif Ali Zardari has convened a National Assembly session on June 22 to pick up the Leader of House. The PPP is courting support from all potential trouble points to clinch a walkover in the election.
The PPP approached the JUI-F with an offer of three portfolios on condition of the party’s support for the PPP-appointed candidate; however, the JUI-F has turned down the offer.
It should be mentioned here that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) yesterday de-notified Yousuf Raza Gilani from his office in the wake of court’s three-judge bench verdict of his disqualification yesterday (Tuesday).
The federal cabinet comprised thirty five ministers, eighteen state ministers, four advisers and six special consultants. The election commission declared Gilani ineligible from April 26 after reviewing Supreme Court’s verdict.
A seven-member bench of Supreme Court announced the verdict in contempt case against ex-PM Gilani on April 26 on which National assembly s speaker issued another ruling that declared PM Gilani eligible for the post.
However, on June 19 (yesterday), a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice declared Gilani ineligible to hold on to the office of Prime Minister in the light of April 26 verdict.
