Pakistani PM Gilani guilty of contempt but spared jail.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has found Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani guilty in a contempt of court case.

However, the court gave Mr Gilani only a symbolic sentence and he will not have to serve any time in jail.

Mr Gilani had denied that he had been in contempt for failing to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

The prime minister had argued that the president, who rejects the corruption charges, has immunity as head of state.

The three-month trial ended on Tuesday when defence and prosecution counsels concluded their arguments.

Arriving at the Supreme Court on Thursday morning, Mr Gilani and his fellow cabinet members were surrounded by the media and his supporters, some of whom showered him with rose petals.

He left the building shortly after the verdict was announced, having been symbolically detained for just a few minutes until the court adjourned.

The verdict may well be viewed as a victory by the government as it would appear that for the moment Mr Gilani can carry on in office, the BBC's Aleem Maqbool in Islamabad reports.

He describes the mood among Gilani supporters as one of celebration, despite the conviction.

There were immediate opposition calls for Mr Gilani to step down.

"The court verdict is based on truth and reality. The prime minister himself invited this situation," opposition leader Nawaz Sharif told Geo TV.

Mr Gilani, who was making his third appearance before the court this year, had previously said he would have to step down if he was found guilty.

The BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says there is still a chance that Mr Gilani could be automatically disqualified from holding public office - it depends under what part of the constitution he has been convicted.

Our correspondent says the court has issued no such order and not initiated proceedings to that effect, so Mr Gilani is free to remain in his post for now.

A detailed judgement from the court is still awaited.

The case is part of a stand-off between the government and the judiciary, which many believe is being backed by the military as it pursues the case against the civilian administration.