Pakistan’s Supreme Court has summoned
PM Gilani to appear 13
Feb. to be indicted with contempt over his refusal to pursue corruption
cases against the president. The move, only the 2nd occasion the court
has brought contempt allegations against a sitting PM, plunges the weak
govt deeper into a problems that could force early elections within a
few months.
Judge Nasir Ul-Mulk told the court there were grounds to proceed against PM Gilani
over the govt’s rejection to adopt a court ruling and ask Swiss govt to
re-open corruption cases against President Zardari.The govt explained
that Mr Zardari has immunity from criminal prosecution while head of
state and accused judges of planning with the army to wage a witch-hunt
against him.
A 7 member larger bench of the Supreme Court was hearing PM Gilani’s
contempt case.During the proceedings today, Lawyer Atizaz Ahsan
finished his arguments and says that PM acted on the advice of ministry
according to rules of business. Ahsan says he didn’t want the court to
face humiliation when Swiss govt don’t work on the letter.
However, Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk says that regardless of whether or not
Swiss govt work on the letter, it must be written. Rejecting Ahsan’s
ask for additional time to present his points, the court reiterated that
the points must be concluded today.
