Gilani has appeared before the country’s Supreme Court
PAKISTAN (BBC): Pakistani PM Yousuf Raza Gilani has appeared before the country’s Supreme Court in contempt proceedings, to defend his record.
The court initiated the hearing over Gilani’s refusal to ask Swiss officials to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.
If found guilty of contempt he could be banned from holding public office. After a hearing lasting little more than an hour the case was adjourned until early February.
Gilani had smiled and waved as he arrived at the Supreme Court, accompanied by senior cabinet ministers.
In a lengthy opening statement he spoke of his respect for the court and the Pakistani constitution.
He said he had not intended to defy the court but that he believed Zardari had presidential immunity from prosecution.
“I have discussed this with my friends and experts, and they all agree that he has got complete immunity,” the AFP news agency reported Mr Gilani as saying.
“It will not give a good message to proceed against a president who is elected by a two-thirds majority.”
Gilani’s embattled government is currently embroiled in disputes with the judiciary and also with Pakistan’s powerful armed forces.
