SC to hear Panama Leaks case on eve of dharna

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has set November 1 for hearing the pleas against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family over the PanamaLeaks, a day before the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in (dharna) in the federal capital.

The apex court asked Nawaz Sharif, his family members and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to submit their response to the notices issued before November 1. Those who have been subpoenaed besides the premier include his son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar and Ishaq Dar.

The notices issued to the prime minister and others have asked them to follow the rules and regulations and bring with them their national identity cards.The development came on Friday after the hearing was adjourned for at least two weeks on Thursday.

In April this year, a set of documents was leaked from the database of a law firm in Panama called Mossack Fonseca and studied by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The documents were published by the Panama Papers which held over 400 incumbents as well former statesmen from across the world responsible for setting up the offshore companies.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s two sons and a daughter were allegedly included in the list and the fact was not taken well by the opposition parties in Pakistan. Imran Khan ever since the revelation of the Panama Papers has surfaced is adamant that Nawaz Sharif should resign and present his properties and assets for accountability.

Different opposition parties have perceived establishment of offshore companies as means to illegal transfer of funds abroad. Imran Khan himself is facing allegations of keeping a secret offshore company.

The prime minister has already stated that he would whole-heartedly follow the Supreme Court’s orders on the issue of PanamaLeaks. He said that although the apex court has sent him the notice, it does not mean he has been summoned.The prime minister also said that sit-ins had been detrimental for the country’s economy.