Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in more trouble?

ISLAMABAD: With two days left for Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to appear in person before the Supreme Court to face contempt charges, hectic behind the door efforts were on to defuse the political crisis gripping the nation.

As the Prime Minister prepared for his appearance before the court, he faced the possibility of another case being filed against him for alleged misuse of authority.

Gilani told the National Assembly which gave its full backing to the political leadership that he would appear before the Supreme Court on Thursday to face the contempt charges. The court yesterday asked him to appear in person after he failed to implement its order to reopen graft charges against Zardari.

The beleaguered government faced yet another embarrassment today when the apex court suspended the licence of a lawyer close to President Zardari.

Zardari in a bid to defuse the political crisis in the wake of the government's stand-off with the powerful military following the memo scandal, held talks with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne last night.

The meeting is believed to be a follow-up of talks held between Zardari and Army Chief Gen Asfaq Parvez Kayani over the weekend, Dawn newspaper quoting a source reported.

A brief statement issued by the presidency said Zardari and Wynne discussed professional matters pertaining to the armed forces.

However, sources told the Dawn that the two leaders focussed on finding a way out of the ongoing impasse.

Though there was no certainty about how the civil-military talks were progressing, there were "hints that some progress is being made", the report said.

The official said the meeting between the army chief and the President was held "for lowering temperatures rather than raising it".