RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
An accountability court on Friday ordered reopening of corruption cases against former president Asif Ali Zardari just a few weeks after he stepped down on completion of his five-year term, officials said.
None of the case had been heard for five years due to Zardari’s immunity as the president.
A National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) judge ordered reopening of the cases against Zardari, the co-chairman of the main opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
The accountability court has issued notice to the prosecutor-general of NAB in five references against Asif Ali Zardari, officials said.
The court in Rawalpindi also ordered a response from the former president within two weeks.
The court notice stated that Zardari’s immunity to trial ended with him stepping down from the presidency.
The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had not approached the court for reopening of the cases, as analysts say it did not want political polarisation.
However, NAB judge Bashir Ahmed ordered reopening the five reference cases.
The PPP has not yet reacted to the development.
Former president Pervez Musharraf had withdrawn all cases against Zardari under a controversial amnesty deal in 2007.
The Supreme Court had later cancelled the National Reconciliation Ordinance and reopened all corruption cases against Zardari and nearly 8,000 other people, including political leaders and former government officials.
Swiss authorities, who were contacted by the government to reopen the pending graft cases against Zardari, rejected the plea on October 8 on the ground that the time limit had passed.
Nothing will happen. This is the same judiciary who let the time limit pass in swiss cases. Either they are so incompetent that they did not know the statue of limitations or they were paid off to let the time limit pass. Either way this judiciary has no credibility.
D N, I am afraid your comments are misplaced and contrary to law . Any any event at least some one has taken the initiative and it must be supported. Zerdari and his late wife have unaccounted for assets to the tune of $ 1.4 billion. The process must start from some where.
The PML_Nawaz and PPP Muk-Muka the looters of poor people of Pakistan and now Pakistan Media who has been bought by Nawaz …..Anchor #Geo hamid mir the biggest corrupt anchor person who give support to these looters and try to play opinion maker..fooling Poor people of Pakistan. Making deals to make more money buying houses and land for investment… playing havoc with the lives of poor people of Pakistan….
Unfortunately the future looks to be the same you have described. Imran Khan had correctly said that the same politicians in power will produce the same result. Mian saab and his beloved brother must all be prosecuted for their corruption.
When there is a major question mark on the fairness of the elections all over the country and where members of the assemblies occupy their seats on 'FAKE' votes, can we claim to be a democratic nation ?
Cases should be opened
These cases against Zardari are being "opened" to clear him from all these outstanding cases. Nawaz Sharif owes him a lot for the third term prime minister ship and this will be the pay back. The new NAB chairman is there to see no harm is done to either to Zardari or NS, thanks to the 18th amendment which gives thieves the right to choose their "kotwaal". No NAB or any other agency in Pakistan can hold these political mafias dons responsible for any crime(s) even if they sell out Pakistan.
The process should start from some where. It is too late but it is Vetter to be late than never. It would be highly commendable if some couragious judge takes up the cases against present rulers which are pending since long. I would request CJ to at least start hearing of these cases before his retirement. This would be good example to follow in future.
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