Zeenews Bureau
Islamabad: Putting up a brave face despite Pakistan Supreme Court ordering the nullification of the amnesty he enjoyed against corruption charges, President Asif Ali Zardari has made it clear that he will not resign.
“There is no question of the President resigning,” Zardari’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.
The Dawn cited him saying, “The PPP and the Presidency respect the court and its verdict” and the party was “prepared to face (any) fallout of the SC verdict”.
Allaying the situation, he said the PPP and its leadership were not worried over this decision, adding no criminal proceedings could be initiated against Zardari since Article 248 of the Constitution ensures that the President enjoys complete constitutional immunity.
However, the fact remains that the ruling is a major blow to the very unpopular Zardari and could mark the beginning of his downfall. While he points to his immunity from prosecution as President, Zardari's opponents now plan to challenge his eligibility to hold the post.
The political crisis could complicate US efforts to encourage Pakistan to step up military operations against al Qaeda-linked extremists. Effective action against those militant groups is seen by the US as a linchpin of its war strategy.
First Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 12:25