SC completes hearing on Gilani’s appeal in contempt case

Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has resumed hearing Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s intra-court appeal against its verdict to indict him in contempt case.

An-eight member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is hearing the case. The court had asked Gilani’s counsel Aitzaz Ahsan to complete his argument till Friday 10:30am.

As the court began hearing Aitzaz Ahsan reiterated his argument that harsh words were used against the prime minister by the court in its six options.

“We have said that the options were given for court itself,” the CJ remarked.

The CJ said that the PM did not respond to show-cause notice issued by the court. Aitzaz said the court in its harsh words said PM violated oath.

“Say whatever you want to say but keep timing in mind”. the CJ.

Aitzaz said PM was given wrong advises by two secretaries law and an attorney general for not writing letter to Swiss authorities. “My arguments will be same if trial begins”

“Court gave indictment order after haring prime minister,” CJ observed. Mr Aitzaz advise the PM.

Aitzaz said at least he should be given as much time as PCO judges were given. “It was a different case where several parties were involved,” Justice Jawwad S Khuwaha remarked.

“Tell PM to implement court orders,” CJ said and added that the parliament did great job by not ratifying dictators’ measures”.

Aitazaz Ahsan sought 15-day time after the judges asked him to advise PM categorically that orders would have to be implemented.

“No judge wants uncertainty in the country” CJ said. “Nobody will act on court orders if the country’s prime minister will do the same,” Justice Khuwaja.

Aitzaz concluded his arguments, saying that the court should discharge contempt proceedings against the prime minister as he had no intention to commit contempt of court.

On this the court started writing orders.