Panama Papers case: PTI seeks time to present opinion over formation of commission
The case hearing has been adjourned till December 9.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has sought time from the Supreme Court to present its opinion regarding formation of judicial commission to probe into Panama Papers case.
The request came after the Supreme Court directed lawyers from both sides to present their opinion on the matter after consultation with their clients.
Sharif family’s counsel Salman Butt supported the move, stating that formation of commission is necessary to fulfill all the legal aspects.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Anwar Zaheer Jamali said the commission comprising SC judges will be assisted by all the concerned institutions, and its jurisdiction will be limited.
Earlier on Tuesday, the chief justice observed that the SC bench still open to the option to form a commission to examine relevant evidences, adding they would form the commission whenever it would be needed.
PTI chief Imran Khan, while speaking to media on the same day, said it is better that the Supreme Court decide the Panama case rather than forming a judicial commission. He said enough evidence has been provided to the apex court.
INABILITY TO PROVIDE MONEY TRAIL
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s counsel Salman Aslam Butt today (Wednesday) expressed inability to submit complete documentary record on the money trail through which the Sharif family had purchased London property.
Butt told the apex court that records dating back to 40 years cannot be provided.
Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali was not impressed with the defence lawyer’s explanation, stating that unavailability of record is not a valid reason.
“PM Nawaz, himself, during his speeches claimed the whole record regarding the purchase of London property is available but now you are saying you forgot,” Justice Asif Khosa said.
Moreover, the bench told Sharif family’s counsel they should have not made contradictory statements on the money trail in public speeches.
“This is a dangerous line of defence.” Justice Khosa said.
The bench further remarked that the premier is honourable till allegations levelled against him are proven.
In April this year, leaked documents from the Mossack Fonseca law firm in Panama revealed that Nawaz Sharif’s sons Hassan and Hussain, and daughter Maryam, owned at least three offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands and these assets were not mentioned on his family’s wealth statement.
The companies identified so far include three British Virgin Islands-based companies Nescoll Ltd, Nielsen Enterprises Ltd and Hangon Property Holdings Ltd, incorporated in 1993, 1994 and 2007 respectively. These companies have been used to channel funds to acquire foreign assets, including some apartments along Park Lane in London’s Mayfair area.
PM Nawaz Sharif has said his children have done nothing illegal, but opponents accuse the family of using the tax haven to launder stolen money and dodge taxes.
