PESHAWAR, July 5: Awami National Party’s acting president Senator Haji Mohammad Adeel has said that the decision concerning disqualification of Yousuf Raza Gilani as prime minister was a conspiracy of non-democratic elements to create tussle among state institutions and political instability in the country.

He was speaking at ‘Meet the Press’ programme of Peshawar Press Club on Thursday. He said that democracy had not fully flourished due to constant confrontation between military dictators and other institutions in the country. He said that Mr Gilani had come into power with the support of millions of people, but he was disqualified.

Mr Adeel said that the government had always obeyed judgments of superior judiciary though it was very difficult to accept the decision of disqualification of an elected prime minister. He said that there was need to abstain from such decisions to avoid confrontation among state institutions.

However, he recalled that the constitution had been amended by the judiciary and judges on the directions of former dictator Pervez Musharraf, saying that all relevant people should also be held accountable in this regard.

Senator Adeel said that the decisions taken during martial laws were later rejected by masses. He said that the alleged confrontation among the state institutions and ‘controversial’ decisions could harm the independence of judiciary.

Commenting on prevailing situation, the ANP leader said that the environment was unclear about the fate of sitting elected prime minister whether he would face the same fate like Mr Gilani or emerge successful. He complained that the law had just been implemented for elected people, asking the judiciary to bring dictators to justice over their illegal deeds.

Answering a question about restoration of Nato supply, he said that the government had taken a bold decision after acceptance of ‘apology’ from the US government. He said that restoration of Nato supply was necessary for winning the 11 years old war against terrorism that had threatened global peace.

Mr Adeel said that by reopening of routes the inter-regional trade would be enhanced among the Saarc countries, which was essential to the country’s economic and technological development.

About dual nationality, he said that it should be made conditional for promotion of any high-ranking officer, including civil and military, and members of parliament not to retain dual citizenship. The Election Commission of Pakistan should take up the cases of dual nationality, he said and added that chief of army staff, all governors, chief justices of the Supreme Court and high courts and bureaucrats above grade-20 must be Pakistani nationals.

About development schemes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said that they had asked the federal government to expedite work on Lowari tunnel and provide sufficient funds for starting work on Chashma Right Bank Canal project.