President Zardari signs 18th Amendment bill

By
admin
– April 19, 2010Posted in: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed into law sweeping constitutional reforms relinquishing key powers in a move to bolster parliamentary democracy weakened by military rule.

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 18th Amendment bill on Monday. – (File Photo)

Zardari signed the amendment removing the head of state’s power to sack the prime minister and dissolve parliament at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.

State television broadcast live footage of Zardari signing the historic 18th Amendment to the constitution, which effectively reverses efforts by successive military rulers to weaken Pakistan’s 1973 parliamentary constitution.

“This is an historic day,” Law Minister Babar Awan told dignitaries gathered at the presidential offices.

“For the first time in the history of this country, a democratically elected president has voluntarily given up his power back to the parliament of this country,” he said.

Prime Minister Gilani also hailed the signing of the bill a “momentous occasion”.

“It is an unprecedented event in the political history of Pakistan that a leader has willingly transferred power in such a smooth process…. Pakistan would definitely emerge stronger after the enactment of this bill,” he said.

“It is my hope that the doors of dictatorship are closed forever,” Zardari said after signing the 18th amendment to Pakistan’s 1973 parliamentary constitution.

“We have reason to feel proud… provincial rights and parliament’s sovereignty have been restored,” he told dignitaries gathered at his offices.

The lower and upper houses of parliament this month approved the 102-clause bill.

The package removes many of the sweeping powers amassed by military dictators Pervez Musharraf and Zia ul Haq.

The bill also abolishes a clause barring the election of a prime minister for more than two terms. This would allow the popular Sharif, who was toppled by Musharraf in 1999, to become prime minister again.

The amendments will effectively make Zardari a titular head of state who can only formally appoint heads of the armed forces, dissolve the national assembly and appoint provincial governors on the advice of the prime minister.

Popularity: 8%

About admin