After SC indictment, Gilani gets backing of Pak govt

Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition today expressed "complete solidarity" with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, hours after he was indicted for contempt by the Supreme Court for refusing to reopen graft cases against the President.

The partners of the ruling Pakistan People's Party expressed "complete solidarity with the government" of Gilani at a meeting chaired by the premier.

The PPP and its allies discussed the current political situation and agreed to work together for "continuation of the political and democratic process in the country", said a statement from the premier's office.

"They further resolved to continue to work for the sustenance and strengthening of the democratic dispensation in the country," the statement said.

The meeting was attended by PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Awami National Party head Asfandyar Wali Khan, Farooq Sattar of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Munir Khan Orakzai, the leader of a group of MPs from the tribal areas, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Religious Affairs Khursheed Shah.

The apex court's move added to the political uncertainty in Pakistan amidst tensions between the civilian government and the military leadership.

Gilani is the first Pakistani premier to be charged by a court while in office and if he is convicted, he could be imprisoned for six months and possibly removed from his post.

Legal experts have said Gilani could still avoid prison as the President has the power to pardon him.