ISLAMABAD: As the drama on the Panama leaks continues since the surfacing of the documents in April this year, another reference was filed with National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ayaz Sadiq seeking the prime minister’s disqualification – this time by Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid.

The former railways minister submitted a 182-page reference, demanding that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif be disqualified from NA membership for violating articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

Both the articles lay down the qualifications and disqualifications for becoming a member of parliament. As per the articles, only a righteous and pious person can be a member of a legislative assembly.

Later while talking to media, Rashid said the reference was based on revelations made in the Panama leaks after which he claimed the prime minister was not eligible to keep his office.

He was of the view that the speaker is bound to take a decision on the reference within 30 days, threatening street protests “if the speaker failed to act accordingly”.

The AML leader said he had asked the speaker to fulfill his constitutional responsibility, adding that his reference was supported by “strong evidence that is enough for the disqualification of the prime minister”.

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) also filed a similar reference before the NA speaker.

Interestingly, the ruling PML-N had also filed a reference with speaker seeking disqualification of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the NA.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in the Panama Papers revealed the offshore holdings of members of the PM's family.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have planned a meeting to devise a collective strategy on the issue of terms and references for a proposed commission on Panama leaks. The meeting would be held on Wednesday at the parliament house, with veteran PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan in the chair.