Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Reiterating his stand on presidential immunity, Aitzaz Ahsan said that although many people dislike President Asif Ali Zardari, he is still an elected leader and hence cannot be presented before any court of law.

The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed hearing of the contempt of court case against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The seven-member larger bench including Justice Nasirul Mulk, Justice Asif Khosa, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Ajaz Afzal Khan, Justice Ajaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmad and Justice Athar Syed was hearing the case.

Ahsan, the prime minister’s counsel, argued that under the Article 10A of the constitution the sitting bench was not eligible to hear the case.

He said transparent proceedings required that no person can be judge in his own case. In reply, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said that no single person but the whole bench was using its right to hear the case.

Justice Khosa said that all proceedings regarding contempt of court cases were only completed by the court.

Talking to the media outside the Supreme Court building, Ahsan said that after imposition of Article 10A, the century old law regarding contempt of court has been changed.

The case is not related to corruption and his arguments were very simple, he added. The court has adjourned the hearing till April 13 and Ahsan is expected to conclude his arguments till Wednesday.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...