CJP sets aside objections on PTI, JI petitions seeking probe into Panamagate

CJP orders both petitions to be fixed before court

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali on Tuesday dismissed objections placed by the Registrar's Office on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) petitions seeking a probe into the Panama Papers revelations.

Hearing appeals in his chamber against the objections, the CJP ordered both petitions to be fixed before the court. Hamid Khan appeared on behalf of the PTI while Asad Butt represented the JI on the occasion.



Earlier, the Supreme Court's Registrar's Office had returned the respective petitions after placing objections. Both political parties had challenged the objections. In its appeal, the PTI stated that declaring its plea ‘frivolous’ was “insulting, degrading and defamatory”, and clearly reflected lack of experience, along with complete absence of application of mind.

Last month, the top court turned down a petition by PTI chief Imran Khan seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the Panama Papers revelations. The top court had said that the petitioner did not approach any other appropriate forum.

In a constitutional petition filed by Naeem Bokhari, the PTI chairman  had sought the disqualification of the PM, Captain (retd) Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from National Assembly seats.

 

Leaked documents from the Mossack Fonseca law firm in Panama showed several world leaders, including premier’s three children – Hassan, Hussain, and Maryam – owning at least three offshore companies registered in the British Virgin Islands. However, according to the apex court’s registrar, the plea prima facie appeared to be frivolous and the petitioner did not approach any high court for addressing any grievances in the matter.