(Thumbnail image: DAWN)

“It’s a victory for the people of Pakistan, particularly the poor and the downtrodden, because this is related to the invasion of their wealth, the national wealth, which was plundered by individuals in positions of power.” (BBC)

Pakistan’s Supreme Court decided to lift amnesty protection from thousands of government officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari.

Zardari faces several charges of corruption and could be tried in his own country as soon as he leaves office.

We’re looking at perspectives from BBC, Al Jazeera English, Dawn, CNN, The Guardian, and NPR.

Al Jazeera English says that with the lift of amnesty from prosecution, Zardari’s previous criminal charges could end his political career indefinitely.

“He already has a criminal conviction for corruption in a case heard in a Swiss court. He received a six-month suspended sentence as a result. If that case is heard in Pakistan, it could lead to a criminal conviction in his own country, something that could disqualify him from holding political office for life as well as a possible prison sentence.”

Even though many are calling for Zardari’s resignation, Pakistani newspaper Dawn says if he changes the way he governs, it might not be the end of his presidency.

“Some analysts said Zardari may be able to take some of the sting out of his opponents’ attacks — and ultimately survive in office — if he gives up many of the powers he inherited from Musharraf.”

Even back in March CNN reported that Zardari pledged to give up some of that power, but he has yet to relinquish anything.

“Six months ago in his first speech to parliament he pledged to give up presidential powers added by Pervez Musharraf and return Pakistan to parliamentary rule. On Saturday he made the same pledge again, but pollsters are finding the president is losing ground.”

The trouble in the government is not limited to Zardari alone. The UK’s Guardian said the interior ministry was asked to put 248 people on a list that would prevent them from leaving the country.

“[The Bureau] did not give the names, but local television stations, citing official sources, said the interior minister was among them…The agency also said it was reviving arrest warrants in some cases and freezing assets, including bank accounts and property.”

NPR reports that no matter what happens to Zadari, this only adds another layer of complication to Pakistan’s political climate.

“So it’s messy stuff. It’s going to make headlines with or without any presidential immunity and that creates serious political problems for the president and for political stability. And this is a country that’s already reeling from a war within by homegrown militants, and analysts say this is one distraction the country doesn’t need, but it’s going through it.”

So what do you think? How will the Supreme Court’s decision affect Pakistan’s international name?