Zardari closer to losing sweeping powers

Pakistan's parliament has received a package of constitutional reforms which will strip the president of key powers.

A dozen political groups, including the ruling People's Party, have proposed the move.

President Asif Ali Zardari, who inherited absolute powers from his predecessor the country's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, would be the main victim of the proposed constitutional reforms as the amendments would effectively turn him into a ceremonial head of state.

Should the reforms be passed, Zardari will lose his power to dismiss the prime minister and dissolve parliament. He will also no longer be tasked with appointing the commander of the armed forces and high-ranking judges.

The bill also reportedly allows prime minister to stand for a third term in office.

The amendments fulfill a long-standing demand by the opposition, which has long criticized the president for dragging his feet on relinquishing the powers.

This comes as the Supreme Court has ordered the reopening of money-laundering charges against Zardari.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=122258§ionid=351020401.