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Thursday March 28, 2024

Dubai factory: Burden of proof lies upon Nawaz, says judge

By Web Desk
January 12, 2017

ISLAMABAD: The prime minister’s lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan on Thursday said his client Nawaz Sharif is neither a director, a share holder nor beneficial owner of any offshore company.

A five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, resumed Panama Leaks case hearing today.

Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked that the prime minister himself mentioned Dubai factory so the burden of proof lies upon him.

Justice Asif Khosa observed that some portions of the PM's life are still in dark, however, he had said that his life is like open book.

PM's counsel argued that the petitioners have sought disqualification of the prime minister on the basis of contradiction in his speeches.

Justice Ijaz said, either PM Nawaz was right or his son, if one is right then the other person is at fault.

On this, Makhdoom Ali Khan said both can be right at a time, my plea is that my client did not tell a lie.

The PM's first speech was general in nature and in his second speech he shared some details, counsel said.

Justice Khosa remarked that in many cases parties lack evidences and the courts decide matters on the basis of circumstantial evidences.

To this, Makhdoom Ali Khan said as per law of evidence burden of proof lies upon the petitioners.

Justice Khosa inquired about the money trail from Dubai to Jeddah and from there to London.

Nawaz Sharif has no link with London properties, PM's lawyer replied.

The documentary evidence about Dubai factory has not been produced before the court despite the fact that the premier had said all record was available, Justice Ijaz said, adding that without reviewing the evidence we cannot decide the matter.