Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani was on Thursday convicted of contempt of court by the Supreme Court for refusing to write to the Swiss authorities to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, but the adverse verdict fell short of dislodging him.
After a symbolic 30-second sentence the Prime Minister walked out of the court to chair a Cabinet meeting in his office. “For reasons to be recorded later, the Prime Minister is found guilty of contempt for wilfully flouting the direction of the Supreme Court,” said Justice Nasirul Mulk, heading the Supreme Court bench.
The PM was punished for violating Article 63(1) (g) of Pakistan’s Constitution. “The sentencing lasted 30 seconds. The PM remained standing for 30 seconds after the announcement of judgment,” said a court official.
A visibly dejected PM, accompanied by his sons, shook hands with his team and members of the federal Cabinet after the verdict. After leaving the apex court, he told the media that the verdict was inappropriate but he was prepared for this conviction.
He said the decision to appeal his conviction would be filed after consultations with legal aides. Mr Gilani said that even after being convicted he was still PM and the course of democracy would not be sabotaged. The PM said he respects courts and whenever he was summoned he appeared. “I will continue to perform my duties till the Parliament has confidence in me,” he said. Cabinet members, politicians, lawyers and journalists were also present in court.
The PM’s lawyer, Mr Aitzaz Ahsan, said he would appeal the court’s decision. He said the PM still has the option to appeal under Section 19 of the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003.