Pakistan PM indicted in court contempt case

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb. 13, IRNA -- Pakistan Supreme Court on Monday formally framed charges against Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani over his failure to accept the apex court’s orders to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, court officials said.

The Supreme Court had issued repeated orders to the government to write to the Swiss authorities to revive cases of alleged money laundering against the President in Switzerland.

Head of the seven-member bench of the apex court, Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk read out the charge sheet in the presence of the PM. He asked the prime minister to stand and hear the charge sheet.

All the seven judges signed the charge sheet before it was read out in the jam-packed court room.

Gilani said on Sunday that the President enjoys immunity in Pakistan and abroad as head of the state. He also said that all cases against President Zardari are politically-motivated.

It is the second time in nearly a month that Gilani appeared before the Supreme Court in contempt proceedings. He last appeared in the court when it took up the contempt case on January 19.

Legal experts say that the PM can lose his parliament seat if proved guilty of contempt of court. He could also face a six-month jail term under the Pakistani laws.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30815279