'Gilani to appeal against SC contempt verdict': Awan

Islamabad, Apr 26 (ANI): Pakistan Federal Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan on Thursday, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would file an appeal against the verdict of the Supreme Court (SC) in the contempt of court case.

Awan said that punishment was being given to those who had made the Constitution. "The PPP leadership is always targeted," The News quoted Awan, as saying.

Earlier, a seven-judge bench of the court, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, announced the verdict where Gilani was found guilty of contempt of court for refusing to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, but gave him only a symbolic sentence, which lasted for 30 seconds.

"For reasons to be recorded later, the prime minister is found guilty of contempt for wilfully flouting the direction of the Supreme Court," The Nation quoted Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, as saying.

Gilani was convicted and sentenced under Article 63 (1) (g) of the Constitution.

Gilani was charged for refusing to obey an order to write to the authorities in Switzerland asking them to re-open corruption cases against President Zardari. Gilani was sentenced to be detained in the court until the hearing adjourned and shortly afterwards emerged smiling and waving to supporters.

Gohar Khan, assistant to Aitzaz Ahsan, and a member of the prime minister's legal team also said a review petition would be filed.

Awan further said Gilani would be chairing the meeting of the federal cabinet on Thursday.

Politicians, lawyers and journalists, both local and international were present in the court for the hearing.

Government officials and dignitaries present at the court included Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Masood Kausar, Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar, Presidential Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar, political secretary to the party co-chairman Rukhsana Bangash and Attorney General Irfan Qadir. (ANI)