65
LAHORE: Political coordination has gained momentum to discuss various investigation options as the Panama leaks issue continues to haunt Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family.
The Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah, telephoned Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq and Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday to discuss with them several options to investigate the scandal involving the offshore accounts of the Sharif family and other Pakistanis.
The Jamaat chief suggested that while the government was writing a letter to the Supreme Court chief justice to set up an inquiry commission, opposition parties should also send a similar request to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to urge him not to turn down the government’s request.
The chief justice should also be requested not only to probe the Panama leaks scandal, but also help bring back the looted money from abroad and announce exemplary punishment for those responsible for the offence.
The JI chief noted that the request was necessary to assure the CJP that the opposition had confidence in him to bridge the trust deficit caused by the rejection of a report of the commission that had been set up on the alleged rigging in 2013 elections.
When the PPP leader contacted Mr Qureshi on the suggestion, the PTI leader said that his party would take a decision after going through contents of the proposed letter.
In an apparent move to put more pressure on the government not to back out of its promised investigation into the Panama leaks, the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, visited PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.
Both the leaders agreed to work in unison within and outside assemblies as the opposition might not get a better opportunity than this to hold rulers accountable, Mr Rashid said after the meeting.
They both demanded that instead of repeatedly addressing the nation, the prime minister should resign before setting up the proposed commission.
Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2016
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (65) Closed
Apr 23, 2016 06:55am
Pakistan's ruling party is in a turmoil. Bigger the post bigger is corruption. Royal family owns offshore companies and Prime proprieties. This is good time to catch the royal family and its cronies and bring all the loot of Pakistan and to be used for welfare of conman men. Delaying the case is also a crime . People of Pakistan want a quick justice.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 07:33am
They should insist on forensic audit and a time limit of max 3 months for the judgement to be announced
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 07:39am
He will not go home,he will go to jail.now why would he ask others to prove their wealth as legal . Because names of his family members are Panama leaks and not of Imran Khan's or others.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 07:42am
Leader of opposition in NA should have been from PTI. At the very least their hue and cry keeps the govt in check. PPP is good for nothing.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 09:18am
The govt has written letter to highest court of Pakistan, and opposition should show patience to establish its credibility. IK needs to stop talking to likes of PML-Q if it wants to improve its public perception. They should realize that bitter memories of 126 days futile dharna are still alive somewhere.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 09:23am
Which opposition?
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 09:30am
The people should keep the pressure on their elected representatives to demand an independent inquiry into Sharif's offshore accounts and sources of wealth.
The opposition should set the stage and publish their own statement of assets and sources of income, by posting their tax returns online and force the PM to do the same.
One who refuses to follow suit must have something to hide!
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 09:41am
The prime minister must resign to ensure fair investigation.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 09:54am
I don't see Zardari asking NS to disclose his sources of wealth....Understandably so!
The biggest opposition party is even biggest culprit of amassing wealth outside the country through nefarious means.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 09:54am
Only PTI might show some interest, otherwise I am afraid can't see anything happening.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:03am
The entire nation wants accountability but not at the expense of democracy. Mr.Sharif is the elected prime minister and his party has majority in the national assembly. The nations mandate must be respected.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:15am
Is opposition demand to make a commission to investigate against pm or all those peopels which invested i offshore companies?
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:18am
When is the last time Pakistan had accountability. If even chief justice takes up the case, the government and it's lawyers will drag the case for so long that it will be time for new elections. Just imagine when Ayyan Ali, a small fish who got caught red handed and nothing happened then what makes us thing PM will face justice.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:22am
All this makes no sense. How a judicial commission can probe such a sophisticated white collar crime. This commission will prove to be a trap for opposition , inquiries will go on and on for a long time and by that time govt. will complete its tenure and then every thing will come to a stand still. If any result is required Nawaz Sharif must step down.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:23am
I will resign if proven guilty, vows PM.................... astonishing .If a poor Pakistani steal a piece of bread because his children did not eat for 3 days,he receives punishment of years in the jails.While upon proven guilty PM will only resign.Bahuuuth naa Insafi Hay.He must then bring all the robbed money of Pakistanis and must go to prison according to the weight of the criminality.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:55am
Much of the opposition is either outside the country, or silent. Other than IK, I see very few making any demands...
The weak and corrupt opposition provides a perfect cover for each other to plunder and do whatever, without being challenged.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:57am
This is just Imran making a spectacle out of nothing because Imran has only one goal: to seize power. I'd be concerned if the leaks showed illegal assets abroad, but owning three properties in London isn't exactly a huge scandal. These papers never suggested the PM was hiding billions abroad as IK makes it seem.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 10:59am
@tauseef
PM must resign based on allegations alone? What sort of justice system is that? He has to prove his innocence, governments don't just resign in the basis of allegations. Keep in mind the papers showed that Nawaz's son owned property abroad. That's not a huge scandal like PTI is making it appear as.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:00am
What about his illness for which he went to London?
I do not believe a word he says.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:03am
London illness was a lie
Check the photos of the clinic he went. Google and you will not find any information.
This was a very basic clinic check up for PM in London.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:04am
@tauseef well said
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:05am
RIP democracy in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:09am
@Saad thats the problem with pakistan, tolerating corruption. Economy might be doing well though people might have differing views on this, but corruption should not be tolerated. Anyway panama leaks is not about legality of havinf offshore buisnesses but it is about the hidden wealth (how was it accumulated), source of money
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:12am
@Saad You definitely deserve a government of crooks.
Fortunately, I and people who think like me don't.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:15am
@Saad Even the elected prime minister is also accountable for his wrongdoings. If it was true democracy then PM would have already resigned following the footsteps of Iceland PM or presented details of all his financial transactions like Britain PM.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:19am
@Saad
Yes, PMLN has majorty in the parliament, and democracy must be preserved, however, Nawaz Sharif must step down as PM during the enqiry. Someone from PMLN , who has no links with Sharif family, should be chosen to lead the Government.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:23am
@Saad elected prime minister at the cost of looted money and sending abroad through shaddy biz. You need help bro.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:27am
@Saad
Do you understand what democracy means?
Elected officials cannot be corrupt and elected at the same time.
nawaz Sharif lied by not declaring his children's assets on the ECP form. That results in instant disqualification.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:42am
In the presence of authentic evidence provided by Panama Leaks, no further proof is needed of Nawaz Sharif involvement in money laundering.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:58am
When a leader looses his moral authority he loose his right to be the leader......and this is what has happened.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 11:58am
All well said but we need Park Land flats sold and money deposited in SBP.Alhumdullilah. Thereafter cases of others to follow and looted money to be brought back to Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 12:12pm
How come we never had anybody demanding an investigation about a military chief in our entire little history?
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 12:28pm
@Syed F. Hussaini
It is because no wrong doing has suffered so far. If any then hd would have resigned
PM has numerous evidence against him inc his own election declaration.
Panama leaks are enough to resign.
You cannot ask or take action against others until the leader of the nation is set as a example.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 12:51pm
@Saad. Rule of law must have priority over everything. A corrupt should be held accountable regardless of what mandate he has got.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 12:53pm
@Desi Dimag: Accountability strengthens democracy, doesn't weaken it.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 12:55pm
@Syed F. Hussaini: Our beloved PM should be answering this question. That's his responsibility. If he is corrupt how can he held others accountable.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 12:58pm
@Parvez: "Moral authority"?. In Pakistan?. U must be kidding, Sir. These politicians are not even aware from the word, "morality".
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:05pm
@Saad For God sake get your knowledge refreshed up and try to understand what democracy means, nation didn't know well enough and they voted the corrupt people, now it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that these people are corrupt, Ok, let's say panama leaks are wrong or conspiracy, have you not seen the family of PM giving contradictory statements, how on earth a PM of a country can buy billions of property when more than 50 percent people live under the povery line.
Can you please educate yourself well enough to know that if this is case when root of the country is corrupt, the whole society is susceptible to be corrupt. We need to eradicate the root cause instead of treating the symptoms and also when their families live outside Pakistan, their properties are outside, their business are outside, do they have the right to rule Pakistani people, how could they feel the pain of the ordinary people who can't afford medical, schooling and even the basic necessity of survival
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:19pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is an honest, decent man.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:25pm
@Saad democracy cannot be made a hostage by corrupt leaders. The PM should take a cue from Icelandic PM whose wife name was involved yet he himself resigned on moral ground, so, as per your comment it is proved we do not have any morality, no moral values. No wonder we remain in a mess.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:29pm
The dilemma is: when I raise question about MQM's way of politics, they remind me about their mandate. When I question N league or PPP's corruption they remind me about continuity of democracy. So who shall I blame: public or corrupt political parties?
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:41pm
Here in Pakistan we have pliant system which always succumbs to the pressure of government not of the opposition.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:47pm
@Gaf you are right he went their to seek advice on pretext that he was not well
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:50pm
Democracy Zindabaad in which we can not get justice without putting pressure
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:54pm
To put pressure on the government Mehmood visited Ch. Pervez Elahi? Who care about Q- League.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 01:56pm
If SC or politicians do not take serious steps to start accountability right from the TOP immediately, it would be safe to assume that this Parliamentary democracy will be replaced with new constitution and Presidential system (like USA). It's all too clear now.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 02:01pm
PPP will stab PTI in its back.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 02:03pm
Nawaz Sharif accupies the most prestigious and prevledged position in Pakistan, and therfore a higher higher moral and ethical standard is expected of him, quite rightly. He is expected to lead by example. When someone in his position is accused of wrongdoing, he should voluntarily present himself for public scrutiny. His defence that: 'others accused of similar charges should be investigated before him' is laughable to say the least.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 02:07pm
@Saad elected PM is answerable to public, he does not go to answe questions in parliament or gives interviews or press conferences. Sounds more like a monarchy than a democratic elected PM.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 02:31pm
WHY is it that our politicians don't do the honourable thing and step aside until the investigation is complete? In most other countries the politician steps aside - just as the Iceland PM did after Panama papers surfaced.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 02:33pm
@Uppal - The evidence suggests otherwise as massive corruption of the ruling family has been exposed.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 02:45pm
The noble thing for the PM is to step doen. Whatever he says the perception is that he is tainted. Why is that Every time he bec omes the PM, he is surrounded by controversy.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:01pm
@Uppal Perhapes you are right; than surely he must follow the principles of natural justice.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:15pm
@Shehzad you need yo go through assets declaration rules of Pakistan. No father is responsible or bound to declare what his sons and daughters have. Assets Declaration in an individual act.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:27pm
Can one say Pakistan follows democratic norms, PM should immediately resign
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:27pm
Mandate ? Please in PK nothing is straight forward plz wake up nation in a coma.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:29pm
@Ali - Father IS responsible of assets of his children when the children are still dependant. Period!
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:33pm
@Saad - For argument sake can a sitting PM commit murder but he should remain in office because "not at the expense of democracy"?
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:43pm
The only way is for masses to come out on the streets otherwise these leaders will keep on fooling illiterate masses with a slogan that democracy is in danger. I prey that Pakistani public should realize that their leaders spend hundred of thousands of rupee to be elected not for fun but to mint billions
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 03:46pm
PPP are not and will never be serious in pursuing the leaks as their leaders are equally involved
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 04:43pm
Best way to investigate honestly will be when PM resigns and a caretaker government brought.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 05:12pm
Now NS has written to CJP to constitute commission to probe PL issue the opposition should have satisfied. But they are playing politics and damage Pakistan. They only create fuss though they r all involved being more corrupt. They virtually don't want inquiry but to resort to unrest being harmful for economy. PM should not bow before them and come onhard on them.Their agenda now is exposed.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 05:29pm
Accountability indeed strengthens democracy; what weakens democracy are our politicians (the ruling party included) as they are opportunists and want to use serious issues for political mileage. As a society. I think, we justify ill-gotten wealth as long as ours is more than theirs. Same is true for power - Imran Khan's dilemma. He is one of the biggest disappointments of my life.
Perhaps we have had political rulers because we, the people, were unable to safeguard and fulfill our rights and responsibilities.
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 06:57pm
@Gaf - The doctors had no prescription for 'Panama' Illness!
Recommend
0
Apr 23, 2016 07:20pm
To get rid of curruption is difficult. Best will be to choose leader who is bachelor like Mr Modi. Or In pakistan Mr Imran khan.
Recommend
0
