President Asif Ali Zardari. — File photo

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has welcomed President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision to voluntarily quit political activities in the Presidency after the federation’s lawyer assured the five-judge bench in writing on Wednesday.

The five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice LHC Umar Ata Bandial, was hearing the contempt of court petition against President Zardari for his political activities and holding dual office (PPP co-chairperson).

On Jan 22, the LHC had called for an assurance from President Zardari to voluntarily quit political activities in the Presidency, directing federation’s counsel to come up with a clear stance of the president by Feb 6 about implementation of the May 12 judgment against him for his political activities and holding dual offices.

During today’s proceedings, counsel for the federation, Advocate Wasim Sajjad, told the court in writing, assuring that the Presidency would not be used for any political activities.

The counsel further pleaded to the bench that the President had not committed contempt of the court, and that no political activity of any sort was undertaken in the Presidency.

The bench inquired under what position President Zardari chairs political meetings in Karachi, to which the defence replied that Bilawal House was the Zardari’s personal residence and not the Presidency.

The counsel reassured the court that it has been supplied in writing that there are no political activities currently being undertaken in the Presidency.

The bench appreciated the written assurance by the President and called it a positive step.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned to Feb 15.