Disqualification case: IHC seeks Asif Ali Zardari's reply in two weeks

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued on Thursday notice to former president Asif Ali Zardari and has sought his reply in two weeks pertaining to a disqualification case filed against him by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah took up the petition filed by PTI leaders Usman Dar and Khurrum Sher Zaman against Zardari. The petition was filed under Article 62 (1) (F), which disqualifies a person from holding public office for life. The petitioners stated that Zardari had concealed his assets-apartment in New York before the Election Commission of Pakistan and therefore should be disqualified.

During the hearing today, the chief justice said that the Parliament was the relevant forum for such petitions and that the Parliament could constitute a special committee for this. The judge also maintained that the petitioners should have contacted the Federal Board of Revenue, local media reported.

Issuing a notice to Zardari, the IHC has sought his reply in two weeks. The court then adjourned the hearing.

The Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson is also being investigated by the National Accountability Bureau in a case of money laundering through fake accounts.