Islamabad, Jan 4 (IANS): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who has asked the military not to interfere in civilian affairs, has now come out against a proposal to set up military courts in troubled Karachi.
The Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Gilani as criticising Tuesday the suggestion from former prime minister and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.
"How is it possible in a democratic set-up? It is a double standard of the PML-N," Gilani said in the National Assembly, referring to the Pakistan Muslim League led by Sharif.
"In democracy, there is no room for such courts. Military should always be kept in the background," he added.
He said the army could only be called when there was a law and order issue, APP reported.
If such courts were set up, what would be the difference between democracy and dictatorship, Gilani asked.