Now, Zardari’s dual posts under attack

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Days after the Pakistan Supreme Court removed his close aide Yousaf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister, President Asif Ali Zardari’s immunity and dual posts — head of the state and the leader of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) — have been challenged in the top court.

On Monday, advocate Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi, referring to Article 43 of the Pakistani constitution, filed a petition saying that the President of the country cannot hold two offices.

“President Zardari also serves as the co-chairman of the PPP. Holding two offices is wrong on Mr Zardari’s part,” said petitioner Naqvi.

Mr Gilani was removed after he refused to reopen corruption cases against Mr Zardari as directed by the Supreme Court. Mr Gilani repeatedly ignored the court’s directives and was first convicted of contempt of court on April 26 and later disqualified on June 19.

On Monday, the Lahore High Court formed a full bench for implementing the verdict against Mr Zardari’s dual offices. The court had earlier asked the President to give up one of his posts.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial includes Justices Ijazul Hassan and Mansoor. The bench will commence hearing against President Zardari from June 27, said a court official.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday suspended the National Assembly membership of PPP leader Zahid Iqbal for holding dual nationality.

Once Mr Iqbal provides proof that he has only Pakistani citizenship, the court will consider restoration of his membership, the Chief Justice said.

In a related development, PML-N parliamentarian Jamil Awan, during the hearing, confessed he had dual nationality but the bench did not take any action against him. The bench subsequently adjourned the matter till July 2.

On June 14, the Supreme Court suspended the membership of three lawmakers of the provincial assemblies of Sindh and Punjab.

On June 4, the court suspended PPP leader Rehman Malik’s membership of the Senate on the ground that he had failed to provide proof of renouncing his British citizenship. Mr Malik was then appointed special advisor to the premier on interior affairs so that he could continue heading the interior ministry.