Pakistani prime minister refuses to step down after conviction

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan on Friday refused to step down following his conviction for contempt by the Supreme Court, saying that only parliament had the right to force him from office.

"No one can disqualify me besides you, madame speaker, and this parliament," Gilani said, addressing Fehmida Mirza, speaker of the National Assembly.

He also rejected calls for his resignation from opposition leaders, who have said his conviction damages Pakistan's credibility.