PAK-2NDLD GILANI 3LAST
PTI | 01:02 PM,Feb 13,2012The PPP has been reluctant to act on the issue because top The PPP has been reluctant to act on the issue because top leaders believe any action on the cases in Switzerland could give the Supreme Court an opportunity to interpret the constitutional provision related to presidential immunity. The government has refused to reopen the cases against Zardari, saying the President enjoys complete immunity from prosecution in criminal cases in Pakistan and abroad. The court had said that USD 60 million that were allegedly laundered will come back to Pakistan only if the letter is written to Swiss authorities. However, reports have suggested that the President could pardon him after his possible conviction. Asked during an interview with Al-Jazeera if he would stand down on being convicted, Gilani said: "Certainly, then there is no need to step down. If I am convicted, then I'm not even supposed to be a member of parliament." Religious Affairs Minister Khursheed Shah, tipped as a possible replacement for the post of premier, told reporters that a decision will be made on writing a letter to the Swiss authorities by the PPP after the apex court gives its order and in line with the Constitution. PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, a key ally of the PPP, said Gilani had already faced a prison term in the past. He said he had suggested that the next premier should be from the PPP if Gilani is convicted. This is the third time that a Pakistani Prime Minister was issued a contempt notice by the Supreme Court. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif faced similar orders. PPP founder Bhutto was the first premier to face contempt proceedings, after he banned the Awami National Party (ANP) in 1974. The charge was dropped in 1976 due to the absence of proper evidence required for framing charges against Bhutto. In 1997, PML-N chief Sharif too faced contempt charges over an appointment controversy of SC judges. The premier was eventually exonerated after he submitted an apology. PTI RHL
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.
Disclaimer: Network18 Media & Investments Limited is proposing, subject to market conditions and other considerations, an offer of its equity shares on rights basis and has filed a Draft Letter of Offer with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The Draft Letter of Offer is available on the website of SEBI at