SC issues notice to Musharraf, Zardari over NRO deal

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to former military ruler retired Gen Pervez Musharraf, former president Asif Ali Zardari and others to furnish their comments on a petition seeking action against the beneficiaries of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing a petition filed by Feroze Shah Gillani, who pleaded with the judges to hold to account those who benefited from the controversial law.

The bench also issued notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to submit its reply on the petition.

During hearing of the case, the chief justice asked the petitioner to satisfy the bench with regard to maintainability of his petition.

He asked the litigant what is his locus standi to institute the petition and how is he aggrieved by the NRO.

To which, Gillani said the national kitty had to incur billions of rupees loss because of issuance of the NRO. Those politicians who benefited from the law should be held to account and made to return the amount they deprived the national exchequer of, he added.

Back in 2007, Musharraf promulgated the NRO, granting amnesty to politicians, political workers and bureaucrats who were accused of corruption, money laundering, murder and terrorism. The Supreme Court had later declared the law as unconstitutional in 2009.