Pakistan's top court may hold PM in contempt

Pakistan's top court on Wednesday summoned the new prime minister to appear later this month to face possible contempt charges, the clearest sign yet it could dismiss a second premier in a showdown over corruption cases.

The Supreme Court - which disqualified and convicted prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over the issue - summoned his successor Raja Pervez Ashraf on Aug 27 for ignoring a request to ask Swiss authorities to reopen cases against the president.

It is the latest episode in a two-and-half years saga in which the government has resisted demands to have Asif Ali Zardari investigated, arguing that as head of state he enjoys immunity.