Pak Prez enjoys immunity, SC told

Pakistan’s Supreme Court was on Thursday told that President Asif Ali Zardari enjoys immunity and a letter to reopen cases against him in Switzerland can only be written once he is no more the head of state.

“The court should order writing of the Swiss letter the day when President Zardari steps down from his office of presidency,” government’s lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan argued.

Mr Ahsan, in the contempt of court case, said, “The issue is not about corruption. Instead, it per- tains to dignity of the country, as respectable countries do not allow any of their citizens to surrender before foreign courts.”

Mr Ahsan said President Zardari is a constitutionally- elected President and he could not be presented before a Swiss magistrate for trial.

He added, “If the issue is sent to the Swiss magistrate it will set an example for submitting future Presidents before foreign authorities for trial, which is not acceptable.” Mr Ahsan said under Article- 10 ( a) of the Constitution the judges who initiate contempt of case against any one cannot be part of the trial.

He said that according to Article 10 ( a) of the Constitution, every Pakistani national has a right to transparent trial and that the way proceedings are currently carried are in conflict with article 10 ( a).

Mr Ahsan argued that the contempt of court ordinance of 2003 is obsolete and that a new ordinance was presented in 2004.

The court directed Mr Ahsan to conclude his arguments by next Wednesday.

Later. the court adjourned the hearing of the contempt of court case against the Prime Minister until Friday.

Meanwhile, in what seems to be an indication of Supreme Court’s mood to initiate action against Pakistan People’s Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Zardari, the apex court has sought transcripts of the speeches delivered by the two leaders at Garhi Khuda Bux on the occasion of 33rd death anniversary of PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on April 4.