Anti-graft body opposes Asif Ali Zardari's acquittal in cases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's anti-graft watchdog today opposed a petition filed by former President Asif Ali Zardari seeking acquittal in five cases against him for alleged corruption.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Akbar Tarar submitted the rejoinder to Zardari's petition. The cases against the Pakistan People's Party leader date back to the time when his slain wife Benazir Bhutto was the premier.

Anti-corruption court Judge Mohammad Bashir conducted the hearing in the five cases against Zardari.

Zardari's counsel, former Law Minister Farooq H Naek, filed the petition for his acquittal in the cases related to alleged financial irregularities and kickbacks paid for government contracts.

Naek contended that there was no solid evidence or witness against his client and therefore, the court should acquit him.

Talking to media outside the court, Naek said NAB had opposed Zardari's acquittal and would present its witnesses at the next hearing on February 24.

Zardari became head of the PPP after Bhutto was killed by a suicide bomber in December 2007. The party was routed in last year's general election. Zardari enjoyed immunity from prosecution in criminal cases while serving as President till September 2013.