Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday gave his assent to the Contempt of Court Bill of 2012 after it was passed by the two houses of Parliament. The law is intended to save Ashraf from possible disqualification by the apex court for refusing to reopen corruption cases against Zardari in Switzerland.
The apex court has given the premier time till July 25 to ask Swiss authorities to reopen graft cases against Zardari.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Chaudhry had disqualified former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on June 19 following his conviction for contempt in April for refusing to reopen the cases against Zardari.
The new law provides blanket immunity to top government functionaries, including the president, prime minister, federal ministers and provincial chief ministers and governors, for executive actions.
Petitioner Kakar contended that the law was in conflict with basic clauses of the Constitution. "Article 2A guarantees freedom of the judiciary while according to Article 25, all citizens have equal rights," he said.
Pak SC issues notice to PM Raja Ashraf over contempt law
Pak parliament passes bill to protect leaders from contempt
Pak MPs clear bill exempting top leaders from contempt
Pakistan judiciary vs executive: What comes next?
Bill to make ISI accountable withdrawn from Pak Senate