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Pakistan's prime minister vows to fight 'conspiracy'

November 30, 1997
Web posted at: 2:24 p.m. EST (1924 GMT)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday accused President Farooq Ahmed Leghari and Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah of trying to undermine his government and vowed to fight against the "conspiracy" in the "national interest."

"I have uncovered a greater, deeper conspiracy ... but I will fight," Sharif said in a 30-minute televised address to the nation.

"I will, inshallah (God willing), face every difficulty, because the question is not that of my personal interest but of the national interest," Sharif said. "I will not allow the people to become a victim to this conspiracy."

Sharif's accusations came as the Supreme Court was to resume Sharif's trial for contempt of court -- part of a power struggle that erupted two months ago and has led to factional fighting that threatens to escalate into a full-blown constitutional crisis.

Sharif's confrontation with the judiciary began when both he and the chief justice claimed the sole right to appoint judges to the Supreme Court.

The prime minister eventually gave in but was shortly afterwards summoned to the court to answer allegations of contempt of court, arising out of remarks Sharif made about a court decision.

Sharif had criticized the court decision to suspend one of his early pieces of legislation, which had outlawed the practice of members of parliament switching sides.

One of Sharif's first acts when he came to power nine months ago was to pass a constitutional amendment stripping Leghari of the power to sack governments, a power that has been used at least five times since 1985.

Should the Supreme Court find Sharif guilty of contempt of court, the prime minister would be disqualified from office and his government would fall.

Sharif insisted on the right to defend himself and wanted an amendment to the contempt of court law so that he could appeal, should he be found guilty. However, Leghari refused to sign that amendment, and that prompted Sharif to try to impeach the president. The impeachment proceedings were halted when the army stepped in to mediate earlier this month.

On Friday, the court proceedings against Sharif were interrupted when his supporters stormed the Supreme Court and a major scuffle ensued with the judiciary. The clash prompted the chief justice to call for army protection for the court building and his home.

Friday's clashes also drew a stinging attack from President Leghari, who effectively accused Prime Minister Sharif of incompetence.

"There can be no greater evidence of the dismal failure of your government's administration than that provided by the unprecedented shameful events of the last two days," the president said.

Sharif replied by accusing Leghari of "intemperate language" and rejected his call for army protection for the Supreme Court.

A new crisis loomed within the judiciary on Sunday when two separate agendas were issued for Monday's Court proceedings against Sharif.

One agenda said the chief justice would take up the contempt of court case against Sharif, while another said a full court, comprising 15 judges, would take up petitions challenging the appointment of the chief justice.

The chief justice issued an order canceling the full court meeting, saying it was being convened illegally to prevent him and other judges from deciding cases against the prime minister.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

 
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