Pak SC asks new PM to open graft cases against Zardari

Pakistan Supreme Court Wednesday has asked new Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf to open the graft cases in Switzerland against Pak President Asif Ali Zardari, which had cost his predecessor in loosing job.

Parvez's predecessor Yusuf Raza Gillani had showed his reluctance in following the Supreme Court's order regarding to open corruption cases against Zardari, which cost him in facing 'Contempt of court' charges and SC declared him 'disqualify' for the post of PM.

In a fresh order to new Prime Minister, a bench of three judges headed by justice Nasir-ul-Mulk asked Attorney General, Pak government counsel Irfan Qadir to reopen corruption cases leveled against Zardari in Switzerland.

The bench said in a brief order that it expected the new Premier would act on the court's directives.

The judges asked the Attorney General to consult the Prime Minister and inform the court of his stance at the next hearing on July 12.

But, the rift between Pak SC and government is not likely to widen as just after assuming office, Ashraf made it clear that he would not write a letter to Swiss authorities to reopen the cases against Zardari.

He said there was no difference between him and Gilani on this issue.

Ashraf had further said that his government did not want any confrontation with other state institutions and would work in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The Supreme Court has been pressuring the government to revive the cases against the President since December 2009, when it annulled an amnesty issued by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf that had benefited Zardari and over 8,000 others.

--With Agencies Inputs--