After much deliberation and debate inside the courts, in the media and among the general public, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has given its decision on the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) that paved the way for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to come into power.
The Supreme Court declared the NRO null and void in a short order which was passed unanimously by a 17-member bench.
The landmark decision is set to create ripples and shake up the government as all old cases and convictions that had been dismissed under the ordinance can now be revived as per the court orders.
Dawn.com invites its readers to comment on the court’s historic decision. Do you think the decision will create instability as claimed by the government? Do you think this move will serve to discourage corruption? How will this decision impact the political and security situation in Pakistan? Do you think that politicians and bureaucrats accused of corruption will now be held accountable? Do you think that the debate regarding NRO focuses too much on politicians and less on accountability measures?
The following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
Those who have dirty hands need to worry about the decision of court but those who are fair and squire should be happy at the independence of court. May Allah live long my country and destroy those who are insincere to it.
Well done, I agree with the majority here, But we need to pass a law which should be applied immediately. No person could run for a government Seat if he or she has been convicted or served jail time in Prison no matter what party it may be.
We have crooks and gangsters run our country for too long.
It’s like the awakening of the society. Look around you while people live in Poverty most of the politicians enjoy luxury palaces and luxury cars shame. Just wait and see ultimate Judgment is close.
A great verdict. But don’t get excited as this is only a call for judgment and not a judgment in itself.
Will the guilty be punished? Will there be another NRO? Will the guilty walk? Who knows.
The judgment will definitely create political instability. The moral authority of the government has been eroded. That should not be allowed to strengthen the influence of right wing.
Government should appoint a Commission to go into closing the legal loopholes for corruption. In the interim all major decisions should be collective and open.
Annulment of NRO is a courageous pronouncement. Country should proceed with caution. Purpose of this legislation is to remove the corruption and the corrupt leaders from the positions of influence. But care is needed in filling those slots with honorable and qualified individuals.
Glad to see that majority of comments are in favor of historic verdict by SC. Now comes the time to ensure that guilty are brought to justice. Elites have been getting away, keeping millions in banks by defaulting on loans & write off. As Pakistanis, we owe it our country to support judiciary irrespective of our party affiliation.
252 persons involved with NRO cases…..140+ Million people of Paksiatan -Rs.114 Billion only on Zardari – Can we distribute this money to people in some way and make the standard of living better? I hope this ruling will not create any vacuum in security and economic situation of our country. What benefit will normal person living in Pak will have ?
It is truly a historic decision. It is a sign of the emancipation of our judiciary system. It will cut down corruption and make our country more stable.
I Wish CJ will start the accountability from 1977. Anyone that used his or her position in the corridors of power for taking loan or changing economic policies for their personal or extended family’s gain should be sent to jail. If they head a party that should be given 24 hrs to remove that whole cancer (chachas, mamas, damads, phophas and khalas etc) or it should be dissolved and fresh elections held on those seats. Those cancerous elements should be squeezed for every single penny here and abroad. Even their next three generation should be banned from politics. This gangsterism and false piety has really ruined our beloved Pakistan. CJ sahib Qadam barhao hum sub aap key sath hain (Including the Army)
What about the charges of corruption against the CJ? Shouldn’t he step down and clear his name of all the charges by facing a court of law? The allegations of corruption may well be baseless but that is for a court to determine.
Awsome. NRO rule should not be imposed and we the people of pakistan are totaly against this.
This is truly a great day in the history of the nation. Pakistani should annually celebrate this day; to remind them of its importance. No matter what happens now. The cat is out of the bag and no-one can now change that justice is alive and well in the country. I hope the people, law makers and all the institutions of the country work towards implementing this ruling. Step by step we must improve things. It can be done!
Corruption must be delt.
All Pakistani appreciated Apex Court decision on NRO. Bail should not be allowed to looters. They should be put in cell unless the cash of public is not deposited by them.
Well Done Iftikhar Choudhary who brought good names for Apex Courts.
The judgment on NRO is no doubt landmark in the history of Pakistan, but it alone can not bring the required fundamental changes in the country. SC should ensure that no SC judge can validate the unconstitutional move in future and therefore need to bring changes in its own institution. SC should also closely monitor the performance of lower courts where corruption is widely spread and lawyer’s community should come to rescue this institution to report all corrupt judges to SC. Independent and fair trials are the only solution for Pakistan where law should stand above all including wealthy elite or influential politicians.
This is a good positive step in order to create a balance society. This is a fundamental correction and will affect Pakistan in a very positive way in Future. Also excellent example for those who were thinking to launch more corruption. They will think twice now before doing some thing. Zardari Time should be over shortly. This is a historic decision and world we see Pakistan emerging as a developing nation soon.
Indeed a history in the making, but credit should not be with the judiciary alone, it was the people who supported their cause, and reported the media whenever their voice were being repressed.
Also I would like to point out that removing these ministers from their posts immediately would be unwise as it would delay all current projects, and eventually create more chaos in all economic sectors of our dear country.
They should also be removed in a civilized way in court, and be given a fair trial as well.
Excellent & courageous verdict by the SC. Now we need to implement it with full force of the law. We must ensure that all pending cases against the corrupt crop of the present set-up are taken up promptly and decided as quickly as possible. Am sure we would be able to recover millions of rupees and would be able to use this money for the benefit of the people.
Rule of law should prevail as it did yesterday…I am glad someone had stood against all odds…Whether its a new beginning in our democracy…who knows…
It’s a great decision
We should not overlap justice with any thing else. If this process will continue no one can stop us to become a great nation.
The Judgement for NRO is excellent, hope the cases will be transparent. The Fish who has taken most of the percent share is the President. The Clause 248 should be amended in the parliament debate and no one should be given immunity either President, Governors etc. All should be prosecuted and punished if found guilty .
The day finally came for this nation after 61 years of independence! Somebody did come to challenge the otherwise a ‘domestic affair’ for the ruling elite. I want this judiciary to remain focused and consistent, because there is lot of rubbish under the carpet, waiting to be cleaned.
Imprison all our corrupt elite!!
Long Live our judiciary!!
Well Done. The Chief Justice has shown the nation a path toward accountability. All these corrupt should be trailed and then there would be a real democracy. Al equal and laws apply to all. Well Done CJ you are a Tiger and Pride of Pakistan. I wish can do something like that for my nation my country.
Pakistan Zindabad.
CJ You are a great Hero.
Yesterday evening, a landmark decision on NRO has been given by the SC. it will definitely improve the situation and minimize crimes and corruption in our society.