Civil-military relations: heated debate expected in National Assembly today

Heated debate is expected in the National Assembly today (Thursday) over the strained relations between the government and military establishment that have led to a political crisis in the county.
The strained civil-military relationship further deteriorated with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's interview to a Chinese newspaper wherein he said the army chief and DG ISI submitted replies to the Supreme Court without the government's approval, which is 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional.'
The prime minister gave the interview at a time when Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was on an official visit to China. President Asif Ali Zardari had summoned National Assembly's session after a Supreme Court's order regarding implementation of NRO verdict following the meeting of government's coalition partners at Presidency on Tuesday. In the meeting, which was also attended by the prime minister, it was decided to call National Assembly's session immediately to discuss the options given by the apex court to the government.
According to a press release issued by the National Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday, the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has summoned the session of the National Assembly on January 12, 2012 at 6:00pm. The president has summoned the National Assembly Session in exercise of powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. When contacted National Assembly Secretariat sources told Business Recorder that there was no specific agenda for Thursday's session.
When asked whether any resolution to repose confidence in the prime minister and the president will be placed before the House, they said that there was no chance of such a resolution during Thursday's session. Three-day prior notice is required to present such resolution in the National Assembly, they opined.
The House Business Advisory Committee would also meet on Thursday at 2:00 pm to discuss the Business of the House. Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi would chair the meeting. A meeting of PPP's Parliamentary Party would also be held at 5:00 pm before the start of the session. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would chair the meeting. The sources said that the current political situation, conflict between the government and military establishment, memo gate scandal and six options of the apex court would be discussed during the session.