Islamabad, July 5 (ANI): Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved the Contempt of Court Bill, 2012, which provides immunity to the country's president, prime minister, ministers and chief minister from contempt of court proceedings.

Under Article 284-1 of the Constitution, the bill enlarges the scope of the right to appeal, and incorporates other necessary provisions relevant to contempt proceedings.

According to the Daily Times, it is being believed that the government is seeking to abolish the contempt of court ordinance and replace it with new legislation as the draft bill also states that criticism of court orders if made in appropriate language would not amount to contempt of court.

The cabinet also unanimously endorsed the decision of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) for reopening of Ground Lines of Communication, commonly known as NATO supplies in Afghanistan.

It accorded approval to a key piece of legislation on overseas Pakistanis in the form of a draft bill tabled by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, which proposed amendment in Article 63(1)(c) of the constitution to enable the overseas Pakistanis having dual nationality to contest election for the membership of parliament, the paper said. (ANI)