Gilani asked to appear in court after appeal rejected

Herald Globe Friday 10th February, 2012

ISLAMABAD - In a major setback to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Pakistan Supreme Court Friday dismissed his appeal against a contempt of court charge, which means that the premier will have to appear in person when charges are filed against him next week.

Gilani has appealed against appearing before the court, this defence lawyer said.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who led an eight-member bench, rejected the prime minister's appeal.

The court upheld an earlier order calling upon the government to write to the Swiss authorities to ask them to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Gilani has refused to comply with the court order thus far.

"The order is found to be strictly in accordance with the law and principles of criminal administration of justice and therefore no interference is called for," the ruling said.

Gilani is set to be charged Feb 13 with failing to reopen corruption cases against Zardari, said defence lawyer barrister Aitzaz Ahsan.

The prime minister appeared before the court last month. If convicted he faces six months jail and being barred from office. He may also lose his parliamentary seat.

Gilani has been arguing that President Zardari - who had denied the corruption charges - has a legal immunity as head of state.

Zardari had been granted amnesty under the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in 2007 by then president Pervez Musharraf to facilitate his return and, primarily, that of his wife, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Media reports said the rejection of the appeal may lead to a protracted stand-off between the government and the judiciary.