Will appear before SC again on Feb 13: PM Gilani

DAWN.COM

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that he respected the Supreme Court’s decision and would appear in court on Feb 13.

He said this while addressing the parliament on Thursday.

“I have appeared before the court earlier, and I would respect its decision and appear before it again,” said Gilani.

But the prime minister in his statement said he would “refrain from making comments” on the judiciary, adding that he firmly believed that “every body should follow the constitution”.

“All institutions need to work in their constitutional domains; they are all answerable to the parliament,” he said.

Earlier during the court hearing on Thursday, a seven-member bench of the SC had summoned the prime minister to appear on Feb 13 to be indicted with contempt over his refusal to pursue corruption cases against the president.

Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk told the court that there were grounds to proceed against Gilani over the government’s refusal to follow a court order to re-open corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

The government argued that Zardari had immunity from prosecution while head of state.

“We are satisfied that prima facie there is a case for further proceeding into the matter. Adjourned for February 13, for framing charges. Prime minister is required to remain present in the court,” Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk said in English.

Review appeal

Gilani’s lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan said it was possible to appeal.

“There is a possibility for an appeal in this matter. It is up to the court whether to suspend this order or not. This will be decided after getting a copy of the order,” Ahsan added.

Legal experts told AFP that Gilani could avoid being charged by appealing against Thursday’s order, apologising or promising to write to the Swiss.

“On February 13, the charges will be read out to him. He will have to admit or deny. If he admits and apologises, the court can dispose of the case,”former Supreme Court judge Tariq Mahmood told AFP.

“The court does not unnecessarily punish people in contempt cases. It wants its dignity and decorum maintained. It all depends on how the judges proceed.”

The premier was previously summoned to appear in court on January 19.