The Pakistani Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned until next month its hearing over the contempt notice that it issued to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for not reopening lingering corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari and other officials.

The move came after Gilani's lawyer asked for more time to look through records pertaining to the case.

Gilani, who will not have to appear at the next hearing on February 1, left the packed court room following the adjournment. Members of the cabinet and the leaders of allied political parties had joined him in court.

His appearance at the hearing comes after weeks of political turbulence in Pakistan that has strained relations between the country's civilian and military leaders.