After the verdict

The implications from this decision are likely to set the pace for the next elections that are looming large on the horizon.  Held in contempt of court for refusing to write a letter to the Swiss authorities for opening corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, Gilani may have no doubt proven his loyalty, but, has in the process initiated a new tussle between the state institutions.
An appeal is to be filed against the contempt conviction, a decision taken by the cabinet and the ruling party's coalition partners. While the right to appeal the Supreme Court's seven-member bench's decision may earn the premier some more time, the question is how long can this delay strategy be played out. No letter to reopen the corruption cases against President Zardari is likely to be sent out from a government headed by a PPP premier.
So even if Gilani's counsel fails in gaining him exemption from disqualification through an appeal - which according to the court ruling is on the cards, once the Speaker of Parliament refers this to the Election Commission - and other options are exhausted - including that of the president asking the prime minister to continue in office till a suitable replacement is found -the issue is hardly going to be buried. It can be delayed for months until the next election even if a new PPP-nominated prime minister takes over the reins from Gilani and is instructed to carry out the Supreme Court's missives.
Thursday's verdict is likely to steer the events in another direction.  It will also trigger renewed wrangling between the ruling party and the opposition that lately have been engaged in a bitter exchange over governance issues and corruption ever since pre-election gatherings started taking place countrywide.
Loyalty to the state should come first before loyalty to any individual or political party.
Khaleej Times