The counsel for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Khawaja Harris Ahmed, resumed his arguments today in the Supreme Court in the ongoing Panama Papers case.
The special implementation bench, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, began hearing the case around 9am.
As the hearing began, Harris argued before the bench that the prime minister was not asked about any of his assets. “If the JIT had something, they would have asked questions,” he said.
The prime minister’s counsel read out his statement given to the JIT.
Harris said the premier has no assets other than those he has declared.
Justice Ijaz remarked that the prime minister said he would provide a money trail of all the properties but he did not explain when he bought the properties and where he generated funds for their purchase.
“Everything is clear except for the ownership of the London properties,” observed Justice Ejaz.
Harris said the prime minister is not the owner of the London flats.
Harris claimed the JIT report does not term the prime minister a benamidar, adding that the JIT has stated that the flats are the entire Sharif family’s.
Justice Ijaz remarked that the question as to how the funds reached London from Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia has still not been answered.
He commented further that if the main question [of the money trail] is answered, the matter will be settled.
Harris claimed that the premier’s late father, Mian Sharif, used to handle the family’s business affairs.
Justice Ijaz remarked that the prime minister knew what he was saying in the National Assembly when he claimed he would provide the money trail of the London flats.
“The tragedy is there are no documents to prove who the real owner of the London properties is,” remarked Justice Azmat.
Harris later wrapped up his arguments in front of the bench.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s counsel Dr Tariq Hassan began his arguments before the bench but the court went into recess shortly after.
Upon resuming the hearing, the bench directed the counsel for the premier’s children, Salman Akram Raja, to present his arguments saying they want to hear him first.
Raja informed the court that some new records have been obtained, which will be submitted in the court in a day or two.
Media talks
Prior to the start of proceedings, Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Sheikh Rashid addressed the media outside the apex court. He said after Harris’ yesterday’s arguments, the “game is over”. He said those criticising the JIT are in fact criticising the Supreme Court.
Addressing the media a little after Rashid, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq said his fight is with corruption. “Rulers of our country think they cannot be held accountable. I hope the people will get justice from the Supreme Court,” he added.
Both the AML chief and JI, along with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, are petitioners in the Panama Papers case.
Before the hearing went under way, State Water and Power Minister Abid Sher Ali addressed the media. He claimed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan does not come to the Supreme Court for fear of arrest.
He accused the PTI chief’s father of being involved in corruption and said Imran pursued his education at Oxford University from ill-gotten wealth.
On Tuesday, the three-member special bench hearing the case observed that it would examine all the material and then decide on disqualifying the premier or sending the matter to an accountability court.
The bench resumed hearing the case after the petitioners presented their arguments in favour of the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) final report a day earlier.
