Consultative huddle: PML-N, legal aides weigh options
If the apex court orders a probe through a Panamagate-specific commission, it may lower political tensions
PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
The PML-N is fixated on the Supreme Court which is taking up a slew of petitions seeking an investigation into Panamagate today (Tuesday). The ruling party will chart out a strategy based on whatever orders come from the top court.
If the apex court admits the petitions for regular hearing and orders a probe against those named in the Panama leaks, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, then the PML-N will comply with the court orders, The Express Tribune has learnt from senior officials.
Premier Sharif exchanged notes with his legal aides on the defence his attorneys would be putting up in the apex court, sources in his office told The Express Tribune. Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, former AGP Salman Aslam Butt, PM’s Special Assistant Barrister Zafarullah and Law Minister Zahid Hamid were among the attendees.
An important brainstorming session is also scheduled at the Prime Minister House today (Tuesday) where Nawaz and his top aides will review government’s preparations to tackle the PTI dharna.
According to sources, if the apex court orders the government to form an independent inquiry commission to probe Panamagate, it will be a win-win situation for both the PML-N and rival PTI. “If it comes from the Supreme Court, such a verdict will be acceptable to us. The PTI would also claim victory in its struggle for an inquiry into Panama leaks,” an insider said.
The top court has already rejected a government request to form an inquiry commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1956. The government has moved the Commission of Inquiry Bill 2016 in the National Assembly. The bill is not acceptable to opposition parties, including PTI, which has instead tabled the Panama Papers Inquiries Act 2016 in the Senate.
If the apex court orders a probe through a Panamagate-specific commission, it may lower political tensions and de-escalate the situation. “Though it would be a political defeat for the government and a victory for Imran, but we will accept the court orders,” a top legal wizard of the ruling party said.
On Tuesday however, the PML-N counsels would argue against the maintainability of the petitions taking the plea that Premier Sharif’s name is not mentioned in the Panama leaks.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said his party was calling for the prime minister to step down and allow an independent inquiry into Panamagate through the Panama Papers Inquiries Act 2016. “The situation will become clear after the Supreme Court rules on the petitions,” he said when asked by The Express Tribune what did the PTI expect from the top court.
PML-N Chairman and leader of the house in the Senate Raja Zafarul Haq said the government would follow in letter and spirit whatever verdict came from the Supreme Court. “We are committed to upholding independence of the judiciary,” he told The Express Tribune.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2016.
The PML-N is fixated on the Supreme Court which is taking up a slew of petitions seeking an investigation into Panamagate today (Tuesday). The ruling party will chart out a strategy based on whatever orders come from the top court.
If the apex court admits the petitions for regular hearing and orders a probe against those named in the Panama leaks, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, then the PML-N will comply with the court orders, The Express Tribune has learnt from senior officials.
Premier Sharif exchanged notes with his legal aides on the defence his attorneys would be putting up in the apex court, sources in his office told The Express Tribune. Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, former AGP Salman Aslam Butt, PM’s Special Assistant Barrister Zafarullah and Law Minister Zahid Hamid were among the attendees.
An important brainstorming session is also scheduled at the Prime Minister House today (Tuesday) where Nawaz and his top aides will review government’s preparations to tackle the PTI dharna.
According to sources, if the apex court orders the government to form an independent inquiry commission to probe Panamagate, it will be a win-win situation for both the PML-N and rival PTI. “If it comes from the Supreme Court, such a verdict will be acceptable to us. The PTI would also claim victory in its struggle for an inquiry into Panama leaks,” an insider said.
The top court has already rejected a government request to form an inquiry commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1956. The government has moved the Commission of Inquiry Bill 2016 in the National Assembly. The bill is not acceptable to opposition parties, including PTI, which has instead tabled the Panama Papers Inquiries Act 2016 in the Senate.
If the apex court orders a probe through a Panamagate-specific commission, it may lower political tensions and de-escalate the situation. “Though it would be a political defeat for the government and a victory for Imran, but we will accept the court orders,” a top legal wizard of the ruling party said.
On Tuesday however, the PML-N counsels would argue against the maintainability of the petitions taking the plea that Premier Sharif’s name is not mentioned in the Panama leaks.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said his party was calling for the prime minister to step down and allow an independent inquiry into Panamagate through the Panama Papers Inquiries Act 2016. “The situation will become clear after the Supreme Court rules on the petitions,” he said when asked by The Express Tribune what did the PTI expect from the top court.
PML-N Chairman and leader of the house in the Senate Raja Zafarul Haq said the government would follow in letter and spirit whatever verdict came from the Supreme Court. “We are committed to upholding independence of the judiciary,” he told The Express Tribune.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2016.