London: Pressing for an early transfer of
powers from the country`s presidency, Pakistan`s premier has
said that the power of the president to dissolve parliament
was "a sword hanging over the head of the prime minister," and
it should be removed.
"Military rule has left Pakistan with a hotchpotch of
constitution that placed the country under presidential rule.
The power of the president to dissolve parliament was a sword
hanging over the head of the prime minister," Yusuf Raza
Gilani told the Financial times.
He said that proposals to make the president a
"ceremonial head" of state were expected to be put before
parliament in the coming days.
Gilani said his party, the Pakistan People`s Party,
wanted to be recognised for reinstating parliamentary
democracy by "abolishing constitutional amendments made by
dictators."
Gilani is seeking the authority to make appointments
of armed forces chiefs and provincial governors and wants the
power of the president to dissolve parliament removed.
He is also seeking the lifting of restrictions on
politicians returning for multiple prime ministerial terms.
At the same time, the Prime Minister cautioned against
appearing to "bulldoze" the move through parliament.
"There is a confusion (presented) to the world over
who is heading the government and who is running the show,"
Gilani said, adding "You have to know who is the head of the
government and the head of the state."
According to the British financial daily, some members
of the ruling PPP agree that constitutional changes to
rebalance executive powers are imminent.
Salman Taseer, the governor of Punjab, Pakistan`s most
populous province, said the transfer of powers from the
president to the prime minister, currently before a
parliamentary committee, could be settled by the end of the
month.
Taseer said President Asif Ali Zardari did not fear
the removal of enhanced presidential powers, saying his power
rather lay within the PPP itself.
Some of Zardari`s powers have already shifted to a
prime minister who appears to be seen by the military as a
more popular politician.
Earlier this year Zardari relinquished control of
Pakistan`s nuclear strike capability.
PTI
