SC verdict on Panama case

 Jang Economic Session

‘Difference of opinion may disturb country’s affairs’

LAHORE: Difference of opinion in various circles on the Supreme Court decision’s on Panama Leaks is crucial and protests are expected from different political parties against the government, which can further disturb the political and economic situation of the country.

These views were expressed by the experts in Jang Economic Session on “Impact of Panama decision on country’s economic conditions”. The panellists were Baber Murtaza, Dr Yasir Mehmood, Farooq Hasnat, Sajida Mir, Jamshaid Iqbal Cheema, and Salman Aslam. The session was hosted by Sikandar Lodhi.

Baber Murtaza said the hearing of the Panama Leaks case should not have been held in the Supreme Court which is an Appellate Court and it should hand over political cases to JITs and investigation committee from the start, which protects its credibility.

He said technically, the Panama case decision was correct as a clean chit was not given to prime minister or his family rather further investigation had been ordered. The Supreme Court may disqualify the prime minister in the light of JIT investigations in the second phase, he observed.

Dr Yasir Mehmood said that criminal investigation against the prime minister is not a good omen. He said uncertainty will prevail while the government has weakened on moral ground after the decision.

This may lead to political instability and economy loss while may have a positive impact on the rule of law in the long run, he said.

Farooq Hasnat said that dissent note of the two judges has increased the importance of the decision and decision of minority should also be given importance in which two judges declared that the prime minister is not Sadiq and Ameen.

He said decision is not in favour of the prime minister and he should resign on moral grounds. He said political instability will result in anarchy and chance of economic instability will increase.

Sajida Mir said that judges said everything without saying anything and if the Supreme Court wants to establish a commission, it should be made in two months again and demand of opposition will not exist. She said the decision has diverted the public attention from the basic issues of power outages, and non-availability of basic civic facilities. She called for strengthening the institutions to make the accountability effective.

Jamshaid Iqbal Cheema said that for the first time in the history of Pakistan trial of prime minister was done while two judges disqualified him. He said public has no trust in the performance of the NAB, FIA and other institutions and public expression of disappointment is not a good omen.

He said no judge has given a clean chit to the prime minister while it seems that the PML-N has no morality and is celebrating it. He believed that hate against government and disappointment is growing among the public.

Salman Aslam said no moral grounds exist with prime minister to hold the premiership after the Panama case decision but the PML-N celebrations raise concern about its morality.

He said the JIT seems to be provision of relief to the government and outcome of the investigations will not affect the public which is ready to vote on small favours. He said rulers will try to mislead the public by declaring new projects in the next two months.