Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal News Blogs -> JURIST - The Paper Chase

Legal News

: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Pakistan lawmakers weigh bill to curb presidential powers

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Pakistani lawmakers were weighing a constitutional bill Friday that would greatly limit the powers of President Asif Ali Zardari, reversing the expansion of presidential powers under former military leader Pervez Musharraf. If passed by both houses of parliament, the 18th Amendment Bill would transfer presidential powers to the office of the prime minister, effectively reserving the presidency as a figurehead. Among other changes, the president will no longer have the power to dissolve parliament, dismiss the prime minister, or appoint the chief of the armed forces. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who would be eligible for a third term under the legislation, stressed that the bill would strengthen Pakistani institutions. Zardari expressed hope that the bill would be passed as soon as possible. The introduction of the bill comes amid controversy over reopening corruption investigations against Zardari. Earlier this week, Swiss authorities denied a request from Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau, refusing to reopen a corruption investigation against Zadari. The request by the NAB came one day after Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered the bureau to reopen all corruption investigations within 24 hours. Aides to Zardari believe that presidential immunity protects him from prosecution, even after the Supreme Court overturned an amnesty law implemented by Musharraf. The Supreme Court's order is likely to increase tensions between the president and the judiciary, which have recently clashed over court appointments.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 02, 2010 (boomark / email).