Convicted Gilani must quit, says opposition

Islamabad, April 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was convicted Thursday for contempt of court, must resign immediately, demanded opposition leaders, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan wrote on Twitter: "After SC judgment PM has lost whatever shred of legal & moral authority he had."

Gilani was Thursday morning convicted for contempt of court by the Supreme Court that gave him a 30-second symbolic sentence for refusing to write to Swiss authorities to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif said Gilani should step down from his position after being convicted by the apex court.

Nawaz Sharif told Geo News that the prime minister should pave way for a new elected prime minister.

"In light of the verdict, I think PM Gilani should resign immediately rather than prolong the issue," he was quoted as saying.

Sharif wanted the government to hold elections immediately and appoint a neutral prime minister who would write the letter to Swiss authorities.

Commenting on the verdict, he said: "I fully believe the Supreme Court has the high moral ground while the government is standing on the wrong wicket."

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan too said that Gilani should immediately resign.

Imran wrote on Twitter: "After SC judgement PM has lost whatever shred of legal & moral authority he had. He must resign immed & ECP must notify his 5 year disqual."

"PTI will stand by the law & SC. We cannot accept any pol defiance/ridicule of SC decision. Rule of law & indep of Judiciary must be upheld," said his another tweet.