Swiss judicial authorities have refused to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari and same has been conveyed to Government of Pakistan in writing. Cases against President and other accused were closed on Government of Pakistan request under Musharraf regime as part of NRO given to Pakistan Peoples Party. Later on, NRO was declared “Null and Void” by Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered to reopen the cases closed under NRO in the country and take steps to reopen cases in foreign courts. Court specifically ordered to write letter to Swiss courts against President and other accused. This remained a bone of contention between Judiciary and executive for couple of years. Former premier Yousaf Raza Gillani had to lose his premiership due to non-compliance of court orders on this issue.
Government of Pakistan always maintained that President enjoys immunity under the constitution so such a letter cannot be written. Swiss laws set a time limit of fifteen years for decision on cases and beyond that cases does not remain maintainable.
Government of Pakistan made use of this law tactfully and kept the Supreme Court engaged to ensure that all cases get time barred. Once this objective was achieved Government had no issue in writing letter to Swiss authorities.
Swiss refusal from reopening cases has brought a huge sigh of relief for President just at the right time. Now Asif Ali Zardari is in a position to portrait him as a man who submits to court decisions has a clean chit from foreign courts which are not under Pakistani influence. He is definitely going to use this decision against the Judiciary to gain political mileage ahead of elections.
Federal Law Minister Farooq H. Naek has confirmed the receipt of Swiss letter and he is expected to personally apprise the President about contents of the letter.
