When will president leave political office, asks LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Wednesday declared that the president would not remain impartial when he supports one political party and opposed others in public gatherings.

A full bench of the court headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial was hearing the contempt of court petition moved by Munir Ahmad against President Asif Ali Zardari for not relinquishing his political office as the PPP co-chairperson in light of the verdict.

The Federation's counsel, Wasim Sajjad submitted the federation's viewpoint on the matter in writing, informing the court that the president would soon give up his political office and that the presidency would not be used for the political activities of the PPP.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah enquired from the counsel whether the political activities would not be held only in Islamabad President House or in Karachi also?

Wasim Sajjad in reply said that the President House is located in Islamabad, while the rest are the President's residences.

Thereafter, LHC CJ Umar Ata Bandial said that the federation counsel's pledge to stop political activities in the President House augured well.

Wasim Sajjad taking a sigh of relief said that now the matter has ended. President would soon give up the political office.

Wasim Sajjad told the court that the president is not the chief of the party and added, in fact, Makhdoom Amin Faheem is the chief of PPP.

Then, Justice Mansoor enquired if the president is not the chief of the ruling party, whether the party which president is heading is functional?

Wasim Sajjad replied that no, it's not functional, but it may get functional, in coming elections.

Later, LHC accepting the federation’s reply directed the counsel to inform the court that when would the president leave the political office.

The hearing was adjourned till February 15.