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PM Gilnai contempt case hearing underway
ISLAMABAD: A larger bench of Supreme Court began hearing of contempt of Court case against Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.The seven-member larger bench is headed by Justice Nasir ul Mulk.
The prime minister had on January 19 defended himself against contempt charges before the SC, refusing to apologise in a case that could see him disqualified from office if convicted.
It is only the second time that the apex court has initiated contempt proceedings against a sitting prime minister.
The court summoned PM Gilani to explain his refusal to ask Switzerland to re-open graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Giving his point of view before the seven-member bench, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the president enjoys complete immunity, not only in Pakistan but also in the world as enunciated by the Constitution.
During last hearing, the counsel had sought time to address the contempt notice.
The apex court has exempted the prime minister from appearing before the bench and his counsel barrister Aitzaz Ahsan would present his arguments.
He would justify Gilani's viewpoint that President of Pakistan enjoyed complete immunity under Article 248 of the constitution not only inside the country but also abroad.
Courtesy www.geo.tv