ISLAMABAD: The Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into Panama leaks by the chief justice of the Supreme Court or a sitting judge nominated by him with the help of forensic audit experts.

“The inquiry should be conducted on day to day basis so that it may be completed within the shortest span of time,” the TIP said in a statement on Tuesday.

The inquiry report should be made public and enable the authorities to take appropriate action in case of adverse findings, it said.

The TIP, a civil society organisation dedicated to curbing corruption, expressed concern over the ownership of off shore companies by certain citizens of Pakistan, including public office holders, as exposed by Panama Leaks.

“The admission by a son of the prime minister about owning off shore companies and properties without divulging any plausible source of funds (used for such deals) casts doubts,” the statement said.

Former minister raises 11 technical questions, advocates probe by Interpol

“Secretly maintaining bank accounts of off shore companies by public office holders is itself a suspicious act,” it said and pointed out that the controversy had led to resignations tendered by executives of some countries after disclosure of their names in Panama Papers.

Rehman Malik seeks a meaningful debate. PPP Senator Rehman Malik has put 11 questions before the people and legal fraternity of Pakistan and the world and asked intellectuals and the media to generate a meaningful debate on Panama Leaks.

He said in a statement that the ‘extra-ordinary’ issue could not be ignored and added, “We need to take a deep look into it by using different parameters”.

The questions he has raised include: “Shouldn’t an investigation (into Panama Papers) start from the crime scene according to international law; aren’t a media report and an international investigation two different things; is it not true that Interpol can investigate such matters; can anybody say ‘no’ to an investigation by an international body like Interpol to which all member states, including Pakistan, contribute huge funds obtained from tax payers’ money; why is the world avoiding an investigation by Interpol; are there some fears and, if yes, what are these fears; can a commission investigate an alleged crime without having original and verified documents and who has to provide such papers (in case of Panama Leaks); why is the United Nations silent on the violation of its charter by member states; why have Panama Papers surfaced at a time when the world is engaged in a war with the so-called Islamic State (militant group) and what is to be achieved through the leaks.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2016