Pakistan is facing a political crisis after its Supreme Court ruled the country’s prime minister is ineligible to hold office. On Tuesday, Pakistani justices said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani is disqualified from the post after he was convicted of contempt for refusing to reopen fraud investigations against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Hamid Khan: “Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani became disqualified as a member of parliament, and consequently as a member — as a prime minister of the country, and that he has ceased to be a prime minister with effect from 26 of April 2012. And furthermore, the Election Commission has been directed to issue a notification with effect from 26th April 2012, denotifying him as a member of the National Assembly and consequently as prime minister.”

Despite criticism from some who say only parliament can oust a prime minister, the ruling Pakistan People’s Party appears likely to comply with the decision and pick a new prime minister. The latest crisis comes amid worsening relations between Pakistan and the United States and protests within Pakistan over chronic electrical failures.