Pakistan

Former army chief sees 'foreign conspiracy' behind Panama leaks

“It is surprising not a single American, Israeli citizen is included in the Panama Papers," says Gen (retd) Aslam...

Qaiser Butt April 25, 2016

A file photo Gen (retd) Aslam Beg. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Former army chief Gen (retd) Mirza Aslam Beg has expressed skepticism over the origins of Panama leaks, saying he is suspicious of an ‘evil foreign design' behind the revelations.

“It is surprising not a single American or Israeli citizen is included in the Panama Papers,” he said. “We have yet to discover who hired the team of investigative journalists who worked for years preparing these papers.”

He added, “The Papers are a fact but some foreign forces are trying to exploit it for their evil plots in Pakistan."

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In an article released to the media on Monday, Gen Beg said continuity of democratic system in the country was imperative for national security, and would help steer the country out of the prevailing affairs.

“Action against terrorists should also continue as the military made great strides in containing the menace,” he said, adding the operations were yet to achieve their logical end.

The former COAS asked the government to take meaningful steps against corruption, and proposed the name of Lt Gen (retd) Shahid Aziz, a former chief of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), to head the inquiry commission to investigate the Panama Paper leaks.

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He said the commission should be formed by the Parliament, and initiate proceedings against all those involved in financial wrongdoing.

The former COAS believes India, with the US collaboration, is playing a ‘dirty’ role in destabilising Pakistan to upset the prospect of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

“I had indicated in 2007 the Indian intelligence agency RAW with support from the United States and other allies had established a vast network of spies in Balochistan,” he said, adding this was an Indian attempt to destabilise Pakistan.

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Gen (retd) Beg also alleged the US used Pakistan Army, judiciary, religious leaders and politicians to topple the elected government in 1977.

Beg likened Imran Khan, chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to the former air marshal, saying “Imran is today’s Asghar Khan.”

Imran staged in 2014 a sit-in in an attempt to topple the current government.

He said, Imran, like Asghar Khan, was also promised premiership of the country by foreign conspirators.

COMMENTS (11)

Saleem | 8 years ago | Reply The Gen. is right that no American nor Canadian Politicians name are not in the list. Gen. sahib they are not "THUGS" like the one we have. However, there are a number of both American and Canadian businessmen/companies whose name have disclosed in these leaks.

Amjed Jaaved | 8 years ago | Reply Naya Pakistan awaits a clarification from Mr. self claimed Clean, IK. If Asghar Khan is believed to be a cia agent, then by corollary, IK also enjoys that exalted position! IK is mum even about 990 million rupees that his lifeline Jenhangir Tareen got written off as minister under Musharaf's regime!

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I. khan | 8 years ago | Reply No surprises Former Army chief Mirza Aslam Beg,s name was also mentioned in Panama leaked papers and now he is blaming a conspiracy against Pakistan for that. What about other major countries whose prominent leaders are also named on the Panama list, did those countries conspired against their own people. General Baig was also involved in distributing money to political leaders including Nawaz Sharif to rig the elections against PPP and Bhutto.

Gaz | 8 years ago | Reply Read his history and all will make sense. He had serious accusations of corruption and bribery levelled at him. People like him will always hate accountability and blame foreign conspiracy theories.

Saf | 8 years ago | Reply Keep preaching this rubbish to the iliterate the educated people are no longer falling for it.

Faisal Afzal | 8 years ago | Reply While he looks for reason why Panama leaks are conspiracy, the Sharif family has admitted to having properties and offshore accounts. Panama leaks don't matter. The only question that remains is where the money was earned from and how it was moved. That's all. There really isn't much to this, the government is working very hard to complicate the matter and getting irrelevant people to add their opinions.

quatro | 8 years ago | Reply “It is surprising not a single American or Israeli citizen is included in the Panama Papers,” . That's not true - there are a number of prominent American businessmen who appear in these documents - just no prominent American politicians. Also - American's prefer to use English speaking British tax havens rather than Spanish speaking tax havens - their also closer/more convenient.

farishta | 8 years ago | Reply Wow! and he was COAS in Pakistan, no wonder Pakistan is in the abyss.

Javed Mirani | 8 years ago | Reply Why foreign enemy want to clean up Pakistan. I think China will Pakistan with less crime and corruption

NY | 8 years ago | Reply As if the world has nothing else to do apart from building conspiracies against us. The countries you have named have functioning institutions and they do clamp down on their citizens whenever there is a breach of law. Only recently, Israel's former PM was jailed on corruption charges. What do you say to that? A conspiracy? Iceland's PM resigned after these leaks. He did not say it was a conspiracy against him. Get a grip of yourself.

Shakil Ahmed | 8 years ago | Reply indeed :), even if its a conspiracy its based on factual information!

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