ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has asked parties included in the Panama Leaks case on Tuesday to submit the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the formation of the commission which will probe Panama Leaks.
During proceedings, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan agreed to the formation of a commission. The apex court announced the commission which will comprise SC judges. Postponing the hearing till 11:30 PM on November 3 – the apex court has directed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family – along with other parties in the case to submit their account over the Panama Leaks case.
Chief Justice of Pakistan – Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali – asked both parties to “show restraint,” as he remarked that the issue would now be resolved by the Supreme Court. SC resumed hearing of the Panama Leaks case after a two hour recess on Tuesday. The apex court had asked both PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to tell the court if they would abide by the decision of a commission on the Panama Leaks.
A five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali heard five petitions regarding the Panama Leaks case including two petitions filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf calling for the disqualification of the prime minister. The SC maintained that all parties will be given an opportunity to state their point. The bench said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf should adopt a more responsible approach towards the issue adding that all eyes were on this high-profile case.
Justice Khosa observed that no state institution including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had initiated an investigation into the Panama Leaks case. He added that if an individual cannot justify his assets according to his income then an inquiry should be initiated. Justice Hani said if money from the country is going abroad then NAB can intervene.
