SC charges Gilani with contempt

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani pleaded not guilty to the contempt charge. If convicted,he could be imprisoned and will likely lose his job. But analysts said the premier seems willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Gilani drove himself and his lawyer to court in the capital Islamabad,an apparent attempt to show humility to the judges. One of the judges,Nasirul Mulk,read out the contempt charge,saying Gilani had willfully flouted,disregarded and disobeyed the direction given by this court.

Gilani,surrounded by coalition partners,said he would contest the charge. The move was the start to a process that may take months to conclude. The next session is on February 22. Gilani,who became the first serving Prime Minister to be charged with contempt,will be exempted from personally appearing in future hearings.