By IANS,
Islamabad : the government has beefed up security ahead of the Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s expected appearance in the Supreme Court here Monday in a contempt case.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has ordered aerial monitoring of the Margalla Hills overlooking Islamabad when appears in the Supreme Court to face contempt charges, Xinhua quoted Pakistani officials as saying Sunday.
According to the interior ministry, Malik presided over a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review law and order and security situation and the arrangements for Gilani’s appearance.
“The interior minister directed the inspector general of police, Islamabad, to enhance security of the federal capital. Foot and mobile patrolling should also be carried out,” a statement said.
The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Intelligence Bureau and the Special Branch of the police are to remain vigilant and will also monitor the security situation through CCTV cameras.
Gilani will appear before the Supreme Court Monday to be formally charged with failing to reopen the graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
If convicted, the prime minister faces six months in prison and risks losing his parliamentary seat. He may also be slapped with a five-year ban from holding any public office.
Gilani has said he will resign if the Supreme Court convicts him.