Pak SC directly asks Gilani to write to Switzerland to reopen corruption cases against Zardari

Islamabad, Mar 9 (ANI): The Pakistan Supreme Court has recommended Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to write to the Swiss Government to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, demanding a compliance report by March 21.

Gilani's counsel, Aitzaz Ahsan, had earlier argued before the court that his client had never been directed to write a letter.

However, Thursday's order was understood to be the first time the Supreme Court has asked the prime minister directly. In the past, demands were conveyed through the law ministry, The Express Tribune reports.

Hearing a contempt case against Gilani, a seven-member bench, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, directed the attorney general to communicate the order to the premier.

The court has been asking the government to write to the Swiss to re-open the cases since late 2009 when it revoked a political amnesty freezing legal proceedings against key politicians. On February 13 this year, Gilani was charged with contempt over the government's refusal to write to the Swiss authorities.

"On the next date of hearing (March 21) the prime minister shall file the report regarding the implementation of the NRO judgment," the court said.

The court noted that, regardless of the advice from his secretaries, "Prime Minister, being the head of the government and the chief executive of the country, has to make the final decision..."

The bench directed Aitzaz to file a written statement by Gilani on March 19, but if he wants to appear himself then he could do so on March 21.

"I think the prime minister would like to appear before the court himself, but I have not discussed this issue with him," Aitzaz said. (ANI)