Gilani directs law ministry to implement SC’s NRO verdict

LAHORE - Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that his government respects the judiciary and would soon implement the Supreme Court’s verdict on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).I had a meeting with legal experts on matters pertaining to the detailed judgment of the Supreme Court. I have given instructions to the ministry of law and justice for implementation of the court’s directives forthwith,” The Dawn quoted Gilani, as saying.

However, Gilani said the apex court’s judgement would not affect Zardari, as he enjoys immunity from criminal proceedings in accordance with Article 248 of the Constitution, which could be revoked only by Parliament.

It is worth mentioning here that the Supreme Court had declared the controversial amnesty law as ‘Unconstitutional” and directed the government to approach the Swiss government for resumption of proceedings in money laundering cases against Zardari.

The court also ordered reopening of cases against all beneficiaries of the ordinance.

Legal eagles in Pakistan have different opinions over whether Zardari would be tried or not.

Some legal experts, including Aitzaz Ahsan, former chief of the Supreme Court Bar Association, say that the president enjoys constitutional protection against any criminal proceedings, but others argue that the president may have immunity from criminal proceedings, but not in civil cases. (ANI)