SC seeks report on 436 nationals mentioned in Panama Leaks

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Thursday observed that corruption had permeated every department for which something had to be done holistically so that this hydra-headed monster could be dumped once and for all. A two-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, heard petitions filed by the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq and Tariq Asad advocate, seeking a detailed inquiry into the funding trail and transfer of money to offshore companies by all those whose names had surfaced in the PanamaLeaks. The court issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the federal government with direction to submit a comprehensive report on the action so far taken against 436 Pakistanis mentioned in the Leaks. The court noted that corruption had permeated every department and initiation of proceedings against one or two persons would not be a solution but something had to be done holistically so this hydra-headed monster could be dumped once and for all. Arguing before the court, the petitioner submitted that a strict action should be taken against those "engaged in corrupt practices and setting up offshore companies”. He said offshore companies were established in order to evade taxes. He said there was a dire need for taking a strict action against all those engaged in money laundering. The court issued notices to the federation through the Ministry of Interior and NAB and adjourned to an indefinite period.