Not quite without good reason, some news sources have expressed wonder over Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s recent appeal to media to protect the country’s political leadership. Talking to a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday (August 29, 2009), Mr. Gilani said that the recent disclosure of some ex-intelligence officers about corrupt politicians is a conspiracy to stain the country’s political leadership.

The prime minister was commenting on the recent allegations of some retired military generals who seem to have breathed out some stories of money distribution among politicians. Instead of showing any alacrity for ordering an inquiry into the allegations, Mr. Gilani said that it was a conspiracy to discredit the democratic leadership of the country. Answering questions, he also denied the claims of a ‘minus-one’ formula (being said to be attempting at striking President Zardari out of the government).

Media sources are taking Mr. Gilani’s answers with skepticism and wondering why the country’s chief executive chose to toss at the media the burden of defending the political leadership of the country, instead of promising an inquiry to the alleged ‘conspiracy’.