Islamabad, September 24: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today mounted a strong defence of the Pakistani President and asserted that Asif Ali Zardari enjoyed immunity from prosecution, amid stepped up pressure from the Supreme Court to reopen graft cases in Switzerland against him.
Gilani said his government has always respected and implemented the apex court’s verdicts but made it clear that no action could be taken against Zardari till he remained in the office of President.
The constitution approved by parliament has a provision that gives immunity to the President, Gilani said while speaking in the Senate or upper house of parliament.
Authorities can decide on reopening the corruption cases against Zardari when his immunity ends after he completes his tenure in another two-and-half years, he said.
Gilani said the parliament alone could withdraw the immunity granted to the President if it desires.
–Agencies