PM Gilani sentenced for 30 seconds but faces no removal after backing from cabinet

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Thu, Apr 26) – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has been convicted of contempt of court by Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday (April 26). (Read detailsHERE)

PM Gilani sentenced for 30 seconds but faces no removal after backing from cabinet

The conviction which carried only a 30-second symbolic sentencing, meant however that PM Gilani was the first Pakistani Premier to be sentenced, and faced disqualification from his Parliamentary post.

Even the verdict by SC is believed to be symbolic; but, experts say, PM Gilani could have faced pressure to quit the office in near future; but reportedly the Pakistani cabinet has backed convicted Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and said that he need not resign despite today’s judgment passed  by the Supreme Court.

The case has captivated Pakistan's fragile political system, driving a lock between the government and the judiciary; while the country plunging into economic and security threats. Yet both sides have assumed unshakable stances.

The case was centered on a letter the SC ordered PM Gilani to write to the authorities in Switzerland to renew an inactive corruption inquiry into the finances of President Asif Ali Zardari. PM Gilani didn’t conform, arguing that Mr. Zardari has immunity from prosecution.

Report Tags: Pakistan, Politics, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Pakistan Prime Minister, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, President Zardari, PM convicted, Supreme Court Verdict