Islamabad, Pakistan (BBN) – Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani will appear before the Supreme Court (SC) on January 19 accompanied by a government legal expert team.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of the coalition partners held in the capital on Monday, according to media reports.

The meeting was presided over jointly by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and the heads of respective parliamentary parties and groups.

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari took part in the meeting to show his support for the prime minister, the News International, a local newspaper, reported quoting sources.

The meeting was presided over jointly by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and the heads of respective parliamentary parties and groups.

The prime minister will appear before the court on January 19, Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters after the meeting, adding that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had always respected institutions and believed in the independence of judiciary.

Mr. Gilani was issued a contempt of court notice in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) Implementation case on Monday, and was directed by the SC to appear before the apex court on January 19.

BBN/SSR/AD-17Jan12-1:37 am (BST)