ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in contempt of court Monday for failing to pursue graft allegations against the president, sharpening pressure on a civilian government that is embroiled in a power struggle with the judiciary and the military.
Gilani was faulted for failing to obey court orders to reopen a long-standing money-laundering case against President Asif Ali Zardari, which the government has refused to do on grounds that Zardari has immunity. Gilani was ordered to appear in court Thursday to explain his position. If convicted, Gilani could serve jail time and lose his seat in the parliament, thus disqualifying him from holding office as prime minister.
The ruling escalated the sense of urgency surrounding a political crisis. The corruption case, which has percolated for more than two years, is just one of various threats to the embattled elected government in a nation that has been ruled by the military for half its existence.
The government also is engaged in a public clash with the army over allegations that civilian leaders were behind an unsigned memo that asked for Pentagon help to avert a military coup last year. The government denies the accusation, and Gilani has defiantly criticized the army. The army, for its part, warned last week that such critiques could bring “grievous consequences” to Pakistan.
With the capital saturated by rumors of a potential military coup, Gilani sought last week to shore up support in the parliament, which he challenged to make a choice between “democracy and dictatorship.” On Monday night, the lower house approved a resolution expressing confidence in democracy — and, by extension, the government.
