ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Farooq H. Naek said on Saturday the prime minister and the cabinet were functioning constitutionally as the Supreme Court had not given any directive for the disqualification of Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in its contempt case order.

He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with federal ministers Qamar Zaman Kaira and Sardar Umar Gorgaij.

Though criticising the decision of the Apex Court, Naek at the same time also said that if the Supreme Court orders the disqualification of the prime minister, the government is ready to comply.

The law minister said an appeal in the contempt case would be filed once the Suprme Court released its detailed verdict. The chief election commissioner has also sought the detailed judgement.

The appeal will be the continuation of the proceedings, he added. He said it was the prerogative of Speaker of National Assembly and Senate Chairman to send references to the Election Commission regarding disqualification of parliamentarians.

The law minister said the prime minister could not be disqualified under Article 63(1) G.

He alleged that the letter written by the assistant registrar supreme court to the speaker national assembly, the secretary cabinet division and the chief election commissioner was misuse of his power and the Supreme Court must hold an inquiry into it.

The law minister also criticised the Pakistan Muslim League (N), accusing the party of twisting the facts of the case.