The NRO has provided blanket immunity to President Asif Ali Zardari and many of his ministers.

Former President Gen. Pervez Musharraf issued the NRO in 2007. It granted amnesty to politicians, political workers and bureaucrats who were accused of corruption, embezzlement, money laundering, murder, and terrorism. It was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2009, throwing the country into a political crisis.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry delivered the verdict that was heard by a 17-member bench. Justice Chaudhry said that the court had discarded the review petition because the documents presented "do not belong to the case."

When the court ordered Law Secretary Masood Chishti to present additional documents, he refused to comply with the request saying that he is not in a position to do so. He said he realizes he will face contempt of court charges and is prepared to go to jail as he is "not interested" in his job.

He said that Babar Awan (who was not present in court) would present the additional documents on Monday as he was occupied with family matters on Friday.