Podcast: A day of surprises in Pakistan

Monday was a day of surprises in Pakistan. The government was expected to reply to the Supreme Court notice on implementing an earlier verdict that would have meant the revival of a graft probe in Switzerland against President Zardari. The government surprised most by its clumsy response - it didn't defend its inaction, it didn't concede to the court. It said nothing!

That meant the attorney general earned a stinging rebuke from the court and more crucially the PM was handed down a contempt notice. Then came the next surprise - the government evaluated its options and after days of arguing that the President had immunity, it chose to blink.

All reports now suggest the PM will appear before the Supreme Court on Thursday and apologise. Which can only mean his government will ask the Swiss government to revive the probe.

But analysts dismiss the possibility of Zardari facing criminal proceedings abroad, saying the Swiss government is not expected to revive a case that is embroiled in so much politics in Pakistan. So, did the government overstep in its defiance of the judiciary? With the army playing games from behind the scenes, do early elections still remain its trump card? Watch this space.

Also See

• Pak SC summons Gilani on Jan 19, issues contempt notice
• Gilani offers to quit after Pak SC notice: Report
• Pak PM Gilani meets Zardari after SC order

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