Pakistani PM Faces Supreme Court Battle

The Pakistani Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani has appeared before the Supreme Court in what is being viewed as a fight for his political survival, amid growing pressure on the civilian government.

Mr Gilani was in the dock to answer a possible contempt of court charge, before the case was adjourned.

The court wants to know why he failed to pursue corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari and a number of other politicians after it overturned the National Reconciliation Ordnance in 2009.

NRO acted as a shield against prosecution for many people within Pakistan's political elite who were facing prosecution for stealing money and abuse of office.

It was introduced by Pervez Musharraf at the end of his military rule so Benazir Bhutto - who was facing corruption charges - could come out of exile and take part in civilian elections.

Mr Gilani though has argued in court that he has not committed any crime because Mr Zardari enjoys immunity from prosecution under article 248 of the constitution as a result of his position as president.

If the court finds Mr Gilani has acted unlawfully it could bar him from office and even send him to jail, but his legal representatives say he has a strong case and will remain in position even if he is incarcerated.

In an interview broadcast on Pakistani television, his barrister Aitzaz Ahsan said: "The constitution provides two ways to remove a sitting prime minister; one, if he decides to resign, and second if he is voted out from the house.

"And if the Supreme Court disqualifies him, article 63 of the constitution will come into play. The law deals with disqualification as a member of parliament."

The legal dispute with the Supreme Court does, however, pile on the pressure on President Zardari's civilian government.

It is also at war with the country's powerful military over the so-called 'memogate' scandal.

The military claims Zardari was behind a mysterious memo sent to the US asking for its assistance against a possible military coup. Zardari denies involvement.

The government's popularity among ordinary people is also extremely low, with the state widely seen as failing on virtually every front.

Internal security is poor, with constant terrorist attacks in most cities, while electricity shortages are also hampering any flickers of economic development.

Many people inside Pakistan now question whether the current administration will make it through to the end of its term in 2013.

Early elections are seen as the most likely scenario.