SC to take up Panamagate petitions on November 1

Top court to take up petitions a day before PTI’s planned mass protest in Islamabad


Hasnaat Malik/news Desk October 21, 2016
PHOTO: REUTERS

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will hear multiple petitions in the Panama Papers leaks case on November 1, a day before Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned mass protest in Islamabad.

The apex court asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his family and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to submit their response to the notices issued before November 1.

Earlier on Thursday, the apex court issued notices to PM Nawaz and others in as many as four petitions seeking his disqualification on account of Panama Papers leaks. The court refused to pass an order for restraining the PTI hold a sit in in Islamabad on November 2.

SC issues notices to PM Nawaz, others over Panamagate petitions

During the proceedings on Thursday, the Chief Justice observed that when the executive would fail to protect the fundamental rights of citizens, then the top court would intervene to protect their rights. The bench issued notices to all the respondents in the four petitioners. The case has been adjourned for two weeks.

On Wednesday, the PM discussed with his close aides legal options the federal government can exercise in its defence at judicial and constitutional forums against the allegations levelled in light of Panama leaks.

On the same day, Imran Khan said the premier is under a wrong impression about forming a government in 2018 because that day is too far. “Thousands of people will gather in Islamabad on November 2. “People have realised that Nawaz Sharif needs to be held accountable to purge this country of corruption.”

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Imran reiterated that his protest in the federal capital on November 2 won’t end unless the premier stepped down or returned the ‘looted money’ to the exchequer.

On August 28, Hamid Khan and Naeem Bukhari filed a constitutional petition on behalf of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan. The petition sought disqualification of PM and members of his family for their alleged involvement in Panama Papers scandal.

On May 13, Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali declined government’s request to form a commission to investigate the leaks, saying legislation by the parliament as well as resolution of the ToRs issue needs to be resolved first.

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