By An accountability court in Islamabad has granted presidential immunity to head of state Asif Ali Zardari in the Park Lane and Toshakhana references. Judge Nasir Javed Rana issued a written decision on Saturday, halting all proceedings against Zardari.
According to the judgment, Zardari sought immunity under Article 248 (2) of the Constitution, which prevents any legal action against the president. The prosecution raised no objections to Zardari’s plea, resulting in its approval and the suspension of case proceedings until the end of his tenure as president.
In the Park Lane case, Zardari was accused of exerting influence over authorities during his presidency (2008-2013) to secure loans for his front companies. Allegations include receiving a loan of Rs1.5 billion for Parthenon Private Limited under fraudulent pretenses, with funds later diverted for personal use through fictitious bank accounts. The anti-corruption agency claims Zardari caused a loss of Rs3.77 billion to the national treasury.
1 Comment