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Pakistan court summons PM to appear over contempt
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's top court summoned the new prime minister to appear later this month to face possible contempt charges, the clearest sign yet it could dismiss a second premier in a showdown over corruption cases.

The Supreme Court — which disqualified and convicted Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over the issue — summoned his successor Raja Pervez Ashraf on Aug. 27 for ignoring a request to ask Swiss authorities to reopen cases against the president.
It is the latest episode in a two-and-a-half-year saga in which the government has resisted demands to have Asif Ali Zardari investigated, arguing that as head of state he enjoys immunity.

The court had given Ashraf until August 8 to write to Switzerland and last week struck down a new law passed by Parliament that sought to exempt members of the government from contempt trials, clearing the way for legal proceedings against the premier.

Judge Asif Saeed Khosa said Ashraf had been given notice “under (the) contempt of court act 2003, read with article 204 of the constitution to show cause as to why he may not be proceeded (against) in contempt of court by not complying (with the) relevant direction of the court”.

“He shall appear in person at the next date of hearing. Hearing adjourned until Aug. 27,” Khosa added.

Critics of the judiciary and members of Zardari's main ruling Pakistan People's Party accuse the court of over stepping its reach and waging a personal vendetta against the president. The government had wanted the case adjourned until September.

Attorney general Irfan Qadir said he needed time “to bridge the gap” between the two sides, and “find an amicable solution”.

Experts say Ashraf will be asked to explain his position on Aug. 27. If the court is not satisfied, he risks being summoned to be indicted for contempt, precipitating the second contempt trial against a sitting prime minister in just months.
Posted by: Steve White 2012-08-10
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=349944