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Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the contempt of court hearing against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani until tomorrow, DawnNews reported.

A seven-member bench headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk heard the case.

Irfan Qadir, the newly appointed Attorney General of Pakistan, and the prime minister’s counsel Aitzaz Ahsan were present in the court for the hearing.

During the hearing, Ahsan said that under Article 10-A of the constitution, the present bench could not try the prime minister for contempt as that would be in conflict with the principles of a fair trial.

In response to that, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said that the court was exercising its authority to conduct the trial and that it was not the matter of an individual.

Justice Khosa moreover said that the ongoing trial did not involve a certain judge but was regarding the government's failure to implement the apex court's verdict.

Ahsan also requested the court to delay its decision on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) implementation case.

“Let me complete the arguments regarding contempt of court first, otherwise, my arguments would be of no use after a decision on the NRO is announced,” said Ahsan.

In response, Justice Nasirul Mulk said that the prime minister had also requested to delay the NRO verdict.

The court was expected to issue its verdict on the NRO today.

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