Bhutto murder case reference challenged

Advocate Tariq Asad filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the reference to reopen Zulfikar Ali Bhutto murder case. He stated that under article 186 of the constitution,Bhutto case should not accepted for hearing. He said that a review petition against the case had been filed, therefore, there was no justification to reopen the case. He stated that Nassem Hussan’s remarks against the verdict had questioned the transparency of the case because he was also a member of the bench.President Asif Ali Zardari has filed a reference in the SC under Article 186 of the constitution.The reference comprises of three parts about constitution, law and independent judiciary. The reference maintained that Bhutto case was not heard justly and a judge had admitted afterwards that Zia government had forced the judiciary to announce anti-Bhutto verdict. The reference further maintained that the case should be heard again and Bhutto should be acquitted of murders posthumously. The Supreme Court will start hearing of the reference from April 13.