adminHead of the seven-member bench of the apex court, Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk read out the charge sheet in the presence of Gilani in the packed courtroom.
The prime minister rejected the charges and did not apologise for disobeying the Supreme Court order to revive graft cases against President Zardari.
The prime minister pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the court along with his defence lawyer Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan.
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing till 22 February and the Attorney General was asked to submit evidence against the prime minister on 16 February.
The court also exempted the prime minister from personal appearance at the next hearing.
Gilani said on Sunday that the president enjoys immunity from prosecution under Pakistan’s constitution and that the cases against President Zardari are politically motivated.
He told Qatar’s Al-Jazeera TV in Islamabad that he would resign if the apex court convicted him of contempt and banned him from holding any public office.
The controversy started in 2009 when the Supreme Court scrapped an amnesty law and ordered reopening of all corruption cases against President Zardari and nearly 8 000 people.
Corruption charges were dropped when former President Pervez Musharraf issued the National Reconciliation Ordinance in 2007 after a deal was struck with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. – Al Jazeera.
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- May 30, 2026
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Community wetland restoration efforts impress EMS board
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected] THE Environmental Management Services (EMS) board has commended communities in Makonde District, Mashonaland West Province, for their commitment to wetland restoration and sustainable environmental management. The Environmental…
