Hussain Nawaz confirms names of three companies mentioned in Panama leaks
Hussain challenged critics to bring forth information regarding property owned by PM, Punjab CM
LAHORE (Web Desk / AFP) – Hussain Nawaz, younger son of Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif, has confirmed the names of the three companies operated by the Sharif family that have been mentioned in the Panama leaks, reported Dunya News.
While talking in Dunya News programme “Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Saath”, Hussain Nawaz stated that whatever has been mentioned in the recently disclosed classified information regarding the secret possessions of world leaders in the Panama leaks is true. He added that Maryam Nawaz does not own any possession in the form of property.
Hussain admitted that two apartments were purchased in London after selling a steel factory operating in Saudi Arabia, adding that no tax is imposed on the particular apartments as is imposed on land owned by overseas Pakistanis.
He denied claims of any business partnerships in Pakistan and stated that no advantages were taken from the governments of UK and Saudi Arabia in regards to the family’s businesses.
He challenged his critics to bring forth accurate information regarding any piece of land owned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shehbaz Sharif.
The leak, comprising 11.5 million documents from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, shows how some of the world’s most powerful people have secreted their money offshore.
Among those named are three of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s four children -- daughter Maryam, who has been tipped to be his political successor, and sons Hasan and Hussain -- with the records showing they owned London real estate through offshore companies administered by the firm.
"Nawaz Sharif does not own any company but having companies in the name of his children also raises questions," Umar Cheema of the Center for Investigative Reporting in Pakistan, told AFP.
The centre is partnered with the Investigative Consortium of Independent Journalists, which spent months poring over the documents before Sunday’s online release.
"There are more than 200 Pakistanis which our report has identified, and they include lawyers, lawmakers and some people from the judiciary," Cheema said.
Opposition leader Imran Khan called for action against Sharif.
"Our stance vindicated again as Sharif’s wealth stashed abroad exposed," he tweeted, adding the country’s accountability watchdog, tax authorities and election commission must take action.
