Reopening Swiss cases would put Pak's sovereignty at stake: Pak Law Ministry

Islamabad, Sep 24 (ANI): In response to Supreme Court's orders directing the federal government to re-open the money laundering cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, the Law Ministry has forwarded a summary to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, stating that the cases against him cannot be reopened.

According to sources, the law ministry, expressing serious reservations over reopening of the Swiss cases, stated that it would be harmful to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, the Daily Times reported.

While stating that reopening those cases would be tantamount to putting the Pakistan's sovereignty at stake, the ministry's summary also noted that the president enjoyed immunity under the constitution.

It further stated that the National Assembly, the Senate and the president could not be separated, and since parliament was the apex body, its supremacy could not be challenged.

The summary, which would be submitted in the Supreme Court today, also stated that according to law, no incumbent president could be prosecuted in any other nation.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bar Association President- Qazi Muhammad Anwar- has said that the Law Ministry had committed contempt of court, as the SC had asked it to prepare a summary under its ruling, but it did not comply.

Earlier, on September 21, a three-member SC bench headed by CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had again had directed the federal government to re-open the money laundering cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, as well as to ensure the implementation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) verdict "in letter and spirit." (ANI)