PM submits reply in contempt case

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday submitted his reply to the Supreme Court in the contempt of court case.
Prime Minister Gilani’s reply comprises of 25 pages and has 84 paragraphs.
Barrister Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsen’s assistant submitted the reply to the apex court.
On the last date of hearing, a seven-member bench, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, had told Aitzaz that he could submit a written reply on behalf of his client or apprise the Registrar Office if the accused contemnor wanted to appear in person. The bench made it clear that in any case, the hearing would be resumed on March 21.
In the reply, the prime minister formally informs the SC that he will not write the letter to the Swiss authorities to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
On the issue of writing a letter to Swiss Authorities, Barrister Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan on Monday said that Supreme Court should not take any decision on March 21 without hearing him.
Earlier today, Aitzaz had said that it was not necessary that court’s verdict against Gilani would result in the premier’s disqualification.
Moreover, he also said that a sentence of less than two years could not disqualify the prime minister. Aitzaz added that following the constitution of Pakistan does not indicate that they are at odds with the judiciary.
He said that certain elements were trying to create a rift between the government and judiciary however they would not be allowed to succeed.