Let Suddle head commission on Panama Leaks: Imran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday proposed the constitution of an independent and powerful commission under Dr Shoaib Suddle to probe the Panama Leaks.

The PTI chairman welcomed the offer of investigation into the leaks by the Federal Investigation Agency, made by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, but said the task should be carried out by Dr. Suddle.

It merits mention here that Dr. Suddle is perhaps the only one in Pakistan who has done a PhD in white-collar crime from Cardiff University in Britain.

“Shoaib Suddle is a brilliant officer to probe white-collar crime, having professional expertise and enjoying credibility,” the PTI chairman emphasised.

Imran insisted that the commission under Dr. Suddle should immediately start investigation into the Panama Papers with full powers in view of the allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members.

He emphasised that the commission should be completely free of government influence.

Meanwhile, according to an announcement by the PTI, Imran will address the nation directly from Bani Gala today (Sunday) at 6:00pm to spell out his party’s line of action to mount further pressure on the PML-N government with regards to the Panama Leaks investigation. His party expects all private television channels to give live coverage to his address.

He will also use the opportunity to explain his position with regards to a chain of allegations hurled at him vis-a-vis the offshore investment of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital funds.

The decision to address the nation from his residence was made after the government refused to entertain his demand of addressing the nation via national television.

The PTI chairman also announced that the 20th foundation day of his party would be marked with celebrations at Fatima Jinnah Park on April 24. The party was formed on April 24, 1996.

Media reports said that the minister for interior has made it clear that the PTI would not be allowed to hold the planned event at F-9 Park. Imran has faced massive criticism from various segments of society after devotees of Mumtaz Qadri sneaked into the federal capital recently and staged a sit-in besides ransacking a metro bus station near Parade Ground on Jinnah Avenue. They also damaged private property.