Click to play videoIslamabad/New Delhi: The Pakistan Supreme Court was adjourned till February 1 after Yousuf Raza Gilani completed his 20-minute-long defence submission on Thursday in a contempt case.
The Supreme Court observed that if someone enjoys immunity then the court should be informed. The judge asked why did the Gilani government not bring up the President's immunity for two years.
Gilani has been exempted from personal appearance now. Gilani, who pleaded not guilty, invoked former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated, before the Supreme Court, and said that she made sacrifices for the country.
Gilani said he meant no disrespect to the Supreme Court and sought immunity for President Asif Ali Zardari against opening of corruption cases.
He told the court that he respected the judiciary and that he had served time in jail to protect democracy. His defence counsel said the Prime Minister has no authority to write letters to the Swiss court.
"Presidents across the world have immunity. Pakistan's Constitution gives immunity to the President," elaborated Gilani.
Among those who came to the apex court to extend support to Gilani were Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Asfandyar Wali Khan of the Awami National Party, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain of the PML-Q and Punjab Governor Latif Khosa.
Gilani explained why his government did not follow the court's orders to pursue corruption cases against President Zardari in Switzerland.
Article 248 of Pakistan Constitution says no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President or a Governor in any court during his term of office.
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