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Standoff Threatens To Topple Government In Pakistan

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Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani waves as he leaves the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan on Thursday. (AP)
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani waves as he leaves the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan on Thursday. (AP)

A standoff between the government, the judiciary and the military is threatening to topple the government of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani appeared before the country's Supreme Court in contempt proceedings Thursday.

The court initiated the hearing over the prime minister's refusal to ask Swiss officials to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

If found guilty of contempt he could be banned from holding public office.

Guest:

  • Owen Bennett-Jones, BBC reporter in Islamabad

This segment aired on January 20, 2012.

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