Zardari granted exemption in graft cases

Former President Asif Ali Zardari was today granted a permanent exemption from appearing in court in connection with cases registered against him by Pakistan's anti-graft watchdog.
The anti-corruption court granted the permanent exemption because of security threats to his life.
During the hearing, Zardari's lawyer Amjad Qureshi told the judge that he could not come to court in person due to the threats.
The head of the Pakistan People's Party had appeared in the court here amidst tight security at the last hearing on January 9.
Zardari also moved an application seeking acquittal in cases filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau.

His counsel, former Law Minister Farooq Naek, argued that Zardari could not be charged in the cases. He said there was no evidence against Zardari that could lead to his indictment.

Speaking to media, Naek said one case against Zardari was only an allegation and nothing could be proved.
Zardari is facing five cases that date back to the time when his slain wife, Benazir Bhutto, was the premier. The cases were deferred earlier as he enjoyed immunity during his tenure as President.
The same court had earlier acquitted several of the co-accused due to lack of evidence.