President has absolute authority to appoint NAB chief: Gilani

MURREE: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that
President Zardari used his constitutional and discretionary power when he appointed the NAB Chairman.

Talking to mediamen here after attending the Founder's Day at Lawrence College, Ghora Gali, the prime minister said President Asif Ali zardari first suggested the name of former Justice Mukhtar Junejo which was rejected by the Leader of Opposition. Then the president forwarded name of former Justice Deedar Hussain Shah which was also disapproved by Ch. Nisar Ali Khan.

He said he sent the note of dissent of opposition leader to the president after rejection of the names.

Gilani said President Zardari used his constitutional and discretionary power when he appointed the NAB Chairman.

The prime minister denied that the Army Chief raised the issue of changes in the cabinet during a meeting with the president and him.

Changes in the cabinet will be made if there is a need for them, he added.

Gilani said he had to still receive the list from the Establishment Division of people who benefitted from the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

Already two "casualties" of NRO-affected people have occurred, he said adding when the list will be received it will be put before the cabinet and presented to the Supreme Court.

He said the National Assembly unanimously approved the bill for reinstatement of sacked employees.