Islamabad, Jan 19 (IANS) This was a great day in the history of Pakistan as the prime minister had appeared before the Supreme Court bench that issued a contempt of court notice to him, an apex court judge said Thursday.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday morning appeared before the Supreme Court and said he had spent six years in prison and had never been reluctant to appear before the court that shows that he always respected the court.

After the prime minister completed his submission, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said today was a great day in the history of the country as the chief executive was appearing before the bench, reported Geo News.

The apex court had earlier warned the government of action if its ruling on the amnesty law, which granted immunity to politicians and bureaucrats in corruption cases, was not implemented by Jan 10, 2012.

The court had also sought reopening of cases closed under the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). It had ordered the government to write a letter to the Swiss authorities to reopen cases against the president and set a seven-day deadline that ended Jan 16.