LEAD: Pakistan court adjourns hearing in premier's contempt case (correction)

Jan 19, 2012, 6:38 GMT

Islamabad - Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned the contempt case of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani after a preliminary hearing, delaying a looming political crisis.

After hearing Gilani and his lawyer, who sought time for further argument, the seven-member bench adjourned the hearing until February 1. The court also exempted the premier from appearing in person.

The court summoned Gilani after his government failed to obey its order to write a letter to Swiss authorities to reopen money-laundering cases against President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the head of the ruling Pakistan People's Party.

Gilani told the court he would never think of violating judicial orders but he could not write the letter because the head of state he enjoyed immunity under the constitution.

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, Gilani's lawyer, argued that Zardari was protected under the law and the government could not initiate legal proceedings against him. He also asked the court to adjourn the hearing for at least one month so that he could see all the documents relevant to the case.

The decision to adjourn provides a short breather to the government, which is mired in political crisis due to deepening tensions with the judiciary and the military.

Gilani could lose his job if the court finds him guilty of contempt of court. Such a decision would push Pakistan into a deep political crisis at a time when its economy is faltering and it is battling Islamist militants.

Gilani waved at his supporters gathered outside the court when he arrived in his white sports utility vehicle, which he drove although it was surrounded by dozens of security vehicles as a military helicopter hovered overhead.