SC gives ultimatum to PM Nawaz's children in Panamagate hearing

Nawaz denies holding offshore companies, says he is not liable for disqualification as he declared assets in 2013

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday denied holding offshore companies in a written response to the Supreme Court on Panamagate petitions.

In his reply, the PM said he had declared all his assets in 2013, hence was not liable for disqualification under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.



Expressing displeasure over the failure of Sharif family's counsel to submit a reply on behalf of Maryam, Hussain and Hassan, the five-member larger bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali gave an ultimatum to the premier's three children to respond to the notices served regarding the investigation of Panama Leaks.

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed that by law, if an individual fails to submit a reply in any matter, it is to be considered that he or she is accepting the allegations. The court has asked the counsel to submit responses by Monday.



Angered by the delay in the case, PTI chief Imran Khan said, "Government is using delaying tactics in SC. Despite being given two weeks plus to file reply, Sharif lawyer failed to file Sharif kids' replies."

Govt using delaying tactics in SC. Despite being given 2 weeks plus to file reply, Sharif lawyer failed to file Sharif kids' replies.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 3, 2016

Why is Attorney General representing Sharif family? He is a paid state employee. Not his job to defend person of Nawaz Sharif and his family

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 3, 2016

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to submit their Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the formation of a commission to probe the Panama Papers leaks.

The court adjourned hearing of five constitutional petitions seeking disqualification of PM Nawaz in the wake of the Panama Papers revelations. The hearing was adjourned till 11:30am on November 3.



“The commission will report to the Supreme Court,” the chief justice said, adding that the commission will have the same authority as the top court.

“SC has decided to resolve the issue of Panama leaks,” Chief Justice of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali said while asking both parties to ‘show restraint’. The bench expressed its desire that all the parties, including PTI, should reconsider their position.