ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has appeared before the supreme court in contempt proceedings, to defend his record.

The court initiated the hearing over Gilani's refusal to ask Swiss officials to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

If found guilty of contempt he could be banned from holding public office, potentially forcing early elections. After a hearing lasting little more than an hour the case was adjourned until 1 February.

Gilani smiled and waved as he arrived at the supreme court, accompanied by his legal team and senior cabinet ministers. In a lengthy opening statement to the seven judges, he spoke of his respect for the court and the Pakistani constitution.

He said he had not intended to defy the court but that he believed Zardari had presidential immunity from prosecution. "I have discussed this with my friends and experts, and they all agree that he has got complete immunity," Gilani said.