The standoff between Pakistan’s civilian government, the military, and the judiciary just got even tenser. The Supreme Court issued a contempt-of-court notice to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani today, a first step in a process that could end in his removal from power. The court accused Gilani of failing to obey orders to reopen an old money-laundering case against President Asif Ali Zardari. The court is also investigating whether Zardari ordered a memo asking for U.S. help in putting down a military coup. Gilani is scheduled to appear at a hearing on Thursday.
