Deponents’ allegations find no place in JIT report

ISLAMABAD: There is no mention or reference in the Panama Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of serious allegations leveled by two deponents, who recorded their statements more than once with this forum.

The transcripts of the entire recorded JIT proceedings specifically the statements of the deponents were supposed to be printed verbatim in the JIT findings to have the real context and picture of the depositions. 

It is known that the JIT made audio and video recording of the witnesses and their statements with the permission of the Supreme Court. It was stated that this was done to ensure accuracy of the transcripts. It was also meant that no witness was subsequently in a position to renege on his testimony.

This volume like others also contains findings and analysis by the JIT, exposing “contradictions” in the statements in support of its line of probe. Comparisons appear in this document showing what the witnesses said now and before at other places on the subject.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s cousin Tariq Shafi had claimed after his first lengthy appearance before the JIT that he was intimidated and threatened to withdraw his affidavit that he had submitted in the Supreme Court, giving the money trail of the Dubai Gulf Steel and London apartments, or face a 14-year imprisonment.

Tariq Shafi had written a letter to JIT head Wajid Zia complaining the intimidation and threats by the JIT to retract his affidavit and sent its copy to the Supreme Court registrar. No action was taken on his grievance. His complaint found no place in the volume and was not part of the record. Either he had not spoken the truth after his interview or the JIT did not consider it appropriate to note it in the volume.

Another witness, Javed Kayani, had alleged after his appearance before the JIT that he was forced by some of its members that he should become an approver against the Sharif family but he refused to oblige. This also found no place in this volume.

After his two-and-a-half hours interview by the JIT, the prime minister had stated that he had asked the investigators what corruption he had committed during his several years in power. He had asserted that he had found no answer to it. This did not appear in the JIT report.

Maryam Nawaz had also said afterwards that she had asked the JIT about the accusations against her and her family members. She added that she had not received any reply. This exchange found no place in the volume.