Pakistan Supreme court intervenes in political crisis
Supreme Court tries to mediate between political parties as protesters continue to demand resignation of prime minister
By Aamir Latif
ISLAMABAD
In an apparent last-ditch effort to solve Pakistan's widening political standoff, Pakistan's Supreme Court has summoned the head of all political parties represented in the parliament Tuesday.
The court has requested 11 major political parties, including the ruling Pakistan Muslim League and the main protest party, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to submit proposals over what role the court should play in resolving the three-week long crisis.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, who are demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation, have already refused the request, saying the Supreme Court should have no role in the crisis.
Justice Sadiq Nisar said the court was the only institution that could act as a "neutral umpire" in line with the constitution, a response to Khan's indirect reference that army would mediate.
Khan and the Pakistan Awami Tehrik party, led by preacher Tahir-ul-Qadri, have staged a three-week protest in Islamabad, calling for Sharif to step down.
Three protesters have been killed and over 500 injured, including 100 policemen in fierce clashes between the two sides in last three days.
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