Panama Papers commission to give recommendations in four to eight weeks

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of Panama Papers disclosures, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Tuesday addressed the nation on the state television announcing the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate the leaks and the source of income of his family.

Nawaz held a consultation meeting with his sibling and the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and separate meetings with his legal aides and senior party leadership. They unanimously recommended that the prime minister should address the nation.

Nawaz also discussed the scope of judicial commission and terms of reference (TORs) with the party leaders and aides. The high-powered commission will give its suggestions within 4 to 8 weeks.

The commission will get support from all investigating agencies, including the FIA and NAB, and also approach the Panama Leaks. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights will notify the judicial commission in a few days.

The prime minister’s legal aides, including AGP Ashtar Ausaf, will get the consent of retire judges to head the commission and become its members. Sources told The News that AGP Ashtar Ausaf briefed the premier about the TORs of the judicial commission.

The government will appoint other members of the commission and the facilitating staff, including the members, after consultation with its head.  The judicial commission will invite the interested persons through an advertisement to approach.

The prime minister’s sons Hassan and Hussain will voluntary appear before the commission. Sources also told this correspondent that Maryam Nawaz Sharif will also appear before the commission, if asked to.