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There is contradiction in PM's response in court and speeches: SC

By Web Desk
November 30, 2016

ISLAMABAD: A five-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Anwar Zaheer Jamali, resumed the hearing of the Panama Leaks case today (wednesday), as PTI's new legal team presented the case before the bench, before the court postponed further proceedings till December 6. 

Justice Ijaz-ul-Hassan said that there was contradiction in the speeches made by the prime minister and the supplementary answer he had submitted in court. He further said that the two speeches made by the prime minister were also contradictory.

Veteran lawyer Naeem Bukhari who replaced Hamid Khan as PTI's lead counsel. started off on a lighter note and told Justice Azmat Saeed, "It seems like today you will get angry at me."

To which Justice Azmat replied, "Do not flatter me, rather please concentrate on presenting your case."

Naeem Bukhari accused PM Nawaz Sharif of lying and being involved in tax evasion. He presented some documents pertaining to the case. The lawyer further said that the son of the Prime Minister does not have NTN number and Maryam Nawaz is dependent on the Prime Minister. Maryam Nawaz is the beneficiary owner of London flats, Naeem Bukhari said, adding that the trust deed of Maryam and Hussain Nawaz does not prove anything.

Justice Aijaz ul Hasan said that according to documents submitted by the Prime Minister's children, they invested 12 million Dirhams with the Qatar royal family.

"How were the 12 million dirhams transferred to Qatar?" wondered the judge.

Justice Khosa said that in the speech it was said that the investment was used by the Prime Minister's children.

Bukhari said that the Jeddah factory was bought in 2007 and the London flats were bought before this. 

Justice Azmat Saeed said that the documents submitted by the Prime Minister's children do not state where investment for the Jeddah factory came from.

Naeem Bukhari added that it had not been stated how did he get loans from banks in Saudi Arabia for the Jeddah factory.

Justice Aijaz ul Hassan asked that at what cost was the Jeddah factory sold for, to which Bukhari replied that in June 2004 the factory was sold for $17 million.

Bukhari also did not spare NAB chairman while presenting his case, alleging that he was saving the Prime Minister from accountability. Naeem Bukhari demanded strict action be taken against the NAB chairman for being complicit in helping PM Nawaz.

Media made it impossible to lead case: Hamid Khan

Speaking with Geo News, Hamid Khan had said, “After media’s campaign against me, it was not possible to continue with the case proceedings.”

“We lawyers have our own way of presenting a case, which is why I refused to continue with the case,” he had said, adding that he had informed Imran Khan that he cannot "fight the battle on the media front."

Meanwhile, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed said there will be a "new entry" in the case today.

Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali ahead of the hearing said the media should show responsibility over Panama Leaks and that it should be refrained from commenting over the case. He added that the media's comments can affect the case.