Pak SCBA claims Zardari's wasn't eligible to contest elections

Lahore, Dec.2 (ANI): Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Anwar Qazi has asked all ministers and bureaucrats who were benefited by the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to resign, , adding that following the expiry of the controversial amnesty law, President Asif Ali Zardari's nomination on the post is now 'open to question'.

Addressing a Press conference after the maiden meeting of SCBA's executive body, Qazi said the apex court would decide Zardari's candidature.

He said that under article 248, 41, 62 and 63 he (Zardari) was not eligible to contest elections at the time of his nomination.

"I want to clear one thing. I have no personal animosity against Zardari. In my opinion, Zardari was not eligible to contest presidential election at all because corruption cases were pending against him at that time," The Nation quoted Qazi, as saying.

Citing the example of Italy, where a constitutional court had recently overturned a law granting Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immunity from prosecution while in office, he said Zardari's nomination should be challenged.

Qazi blasted the various political leaders for fighting among themselves, and blamed them for looting the country.

"Menace of corruption, bribery and dishonesty has taken its toll on the national resources that has destructed our very foundation," he said. (ANI)