17th Amendment would be abolished 'unanimously' in December: Zardari - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the controversial 17th Amendment of the Constitution would be abolished in December, adding that any final decision in this regard would be taken only after consulting all the concerned parties. "We wanted to abolish the 17th Amendment from day one, but we wanted to do it through a unanimous decision, as the 1973 constitution was also approved unanimously," Zardari said. In an interview to a private television channel, Zardari reiterated that he enjoys a special indemnity cover, thus his eligibility cannot be challenged in any court of law. "According to our legal team, the president has indemnity... eligibility cannot be challenged now," The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying. Commenting on the continuous attack on the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) by other political parties, Zardari said his party has always been targeted, but it has successfully countered all attempts to malign its image and has come out stronger. "The Pakistan People's Party has always been targeted. Even in the tenure of former President Musharraf and before. The struggle by PPP leaders to reach Presidency from the chains (jail) will continue," he said. Replying to a question about former President General Pervez Musharraf, Zardari said: "Let the court decide about him". Commenting on the recently announced special package for Balochistan, Zardari said it is a wonderful start for the development of the province , and that complaints would always exist.