Pak PM, at cross roads.  The apex court indicted him in contempt. He vows to fight back legally. He is accused of failing to re-open corruption cases against President Zardari.

The Pakistani Supreme Court on Monday charged Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, with contempt for not reopening a corruption case against his political ally, President Asif Ali Zardari. The steadfast refusal to revive old corruption cases against the country's president has led to a political crisis in the country.

The Court's move deepens the political turmoil in Pakistan amid tensions between the civilian and military authorities and fraught relations with the United States. It means Mr Gilani, the first Pakistani prime minister to be charged while in office, will face a trial that could endanger his political future. The PM pleaded not guilty. Mr Gilani argues that the president, who denies the corruption charges, has immunity as head of state. But political observers say the prospects for Gilani are looking increasingly bleak.

The case against Zardari relates to kickbacks he and his late wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, allegedly received from Swiss companies when Bhutto was in power in the 1990s. They were found guilty in absentia in a Swiss court in 2003. The court has demanded that Mr Gilani ask the Swiss authorities to reopen corruption charges from the 1990s against President and others. The case has now been adjourned until 28 February.
(With inputs from internet: AarKay)