SC dismisses Gilani’s appeal

Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday upheld decision of seven-member bench to indict Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for not implementing court orders in NRO case, dismissing  his intra-court appeal.

The Prime Minister would appear before the apex court where he would be indicted on Feb 13.

Gilani’s counsel Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan argued in the court that the prime minister did not commit contempt of court and contempt charges be discharged.

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

The court said in its order that Prime Minister Gilani filed intra-court appeal against seven- member bench decision to indict him for not implementing its order in NRO case. The prime minister was also issued show-cause notice prior to indictment which he didn’t reply.

It said the NRO was declared null and void by the court and the parliament didn’t provide legal protection to it.

It noted a review petition was filed by the court against the order which was dismissed by the court.

Aitzaz Ahsan reiterated his argument that harsh words were used against the prime minister by the court in its six options, as the bench resumed hearing.

“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. “Ok, even man like you could not convey our massage then what could be done,” the CJ observed.

“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.