Pak PM Gilani appears before SC in contempt case

Beleaguered Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, already locked in a battle with the powerful army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, appeared before the country's Supreme Court today to face contempt proceedings and defend his record.

The court initiated the hearing over Gilani's refusal to ask Swiss officials to reopen a corruption case against president Asif Ali Zardari. He could be banned from holding public office if found guilty of contempt.

After a hearing lasting little more than an hour the case was adjourned until early February.

Gilani had smiled and waved as he arrived at the Supreme Court, accompanied by senior cabinet ministers.

In a lengthy opening statement he spoke of his respect for the court and the Pakistani constitution. He said he had not intended to defy the law, but he believed As president, Zardari had immunity from prosecution.

"I have discussed this with my friends and experts, and they all agree that he has got complete immunity," AFP reported Gilani as saying. "It will not give a good message to proceed against a president who is elected by a two-thirds majority."