ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad accountability court has accepted President Asif Ali Zardari`s immunity application and stopped proceedings against him in two corruption references.

Mr Zardari has sought immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution, which states that the president, governor, prime minister, federal ministers, provincial chief ministers and ministers `shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise of powers and performance of functions`.

The president had been facing references pertaining to the acquisition of vehiclesfromToshakhana, Thatta Water Supply Project, Rs8.3bn suspicious transaction and Park Lane cases before he took oath of the top office in March.

Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who was hearing the cases, accepted the plea filed by Mr Zardari`s counsel, Farooq H. Naek.

`In view of the matter, the instant application stands accepted and proceedings to the extent of this petitioner Asif Ali Zardariareherebystayed accordingly keeping in view the immunity granted by the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan,` the order stated.

The criminal proceedings against President Zardari in two of the cases Toshakhana vehicles and Thatta Water Supply have been stopped considering the immunity.

The judge is expected to announce a similar order in the other two references later.