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

Errant ECP
Updated 22 Jan, 2025

Errant ECP

THE ECP has once again earned a detailed reprimand from the Supreme Court. That it still refuses to correct course is ominous
Fast-tracking M6
Updated 22 Jan, 2025

Fast-tracking M6

GRAND infrastructure projects in Pakistan often progress at the pace of a bullock cart rather than a bullet train....
Gwadar airport
Updated 22 Jan, 2025

Gwadar airport

THE air connectivity established by the inauguration of PIA flights between Karachi and Gwadar is a major step...
Trump 2.0
Updated 21 Jan, 2025

Trump 2.0

Few have forgotten how disruptive Trump could be as president. There has been little indication that his 2nd term will be any different.
GB’s status
21 Jan, 2025

GB’s status

THE demand raised by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for constitutional clarity and provisional provincial status is...
Panda bond
Updated 21 Jan, 2025

Panda bond

ISLAMABAD’S plans to raise $200m from China’s capital markets through the inaugural issue of a Panda bond this...