Federal Cabinet stands dissolved after Gilani's disqualification: PPP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party has convened its parliamentary party meeting for Wednesday in the wake of Yusuf Raza Gilani's disqualification as Prime Minister by the Supreme Court today.

PPP General Secretary, Jehangir Badar, flanked by Qamar Zaman Kaira and Raja Pervez Ashraf, announced this while addressing a press conference here on Tuesday after the PPP held its Central Executive Committee.

When asked whether the Federal Cabinet still exists or not, Jehangir Badar confirmed that the Cabinet stood dissolved after the disqualification of Gilani. "Anywhere in the world wherever the PM is gone the Cabinet is gone," he said.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said PPP has its reservations over the Supreme Court's judgment, however, he advised the party workers to observe patience and not to engage in any sort of protest.

He said the PPP will decide its future course of action after holding consultations with its coalition partners.

Raja Pervez Ashraf said, the democratic process would continue without interruption and PPP would continue to play its positive role in the greater interest of the country.

He said the CEC authorized President Asif Ali Zardari to finalize as to what line of action PPP will follow in future. "He (President Zardari) will do everything that is in the interest of the country, its parliament and democracy," he added.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court disqualified Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani as the prime minister with effect from April 26, 2012 in its verdict in NA Speaker's ruling case.

"Yousuf Raza Gilani is disqualified from membership of parliament from April 26, the date of his conviction. He has also ceased to be the prime minister of Pakistan," said chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said.

"The Election Commission shall issue a notice of disqualification and the president is required to take necessary steps to ensure continuation of democratic process," he added.