ISLAMABAD: Asking all elected representatives to present themselves for accountability, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan proposed on Monday the formation of ethics committees in both houses of parliament to examine lawmakers’ assets from the time they had begun their political careers.

Alongside the ethics committees, he said, the mystery involving politicians running offshore companies should also be addressed. Criticising the divergent views being expressed about the forum that would investigate the ‘Panama Papers’ controversy, he called out the opposition for its ‘confusion’ on the matter.

Talking about the mandate of the proposed ethics committees, he said they should examine the assets of lawmakers at the start of their careers and draw a comparative analysis of their wealth now. It should also look into the houses they live in and who owns them on paper.

He said those who fail to pass through the “sieve of accountability” should be exposed. Stressing that the “defining moment” -- a reference to Imran Khan’s plans to march on Raiwind -- should not just target political opponents, he pointed out that two senators had been accused of running offshore companies, one of whom reportedly owned 34 such firms.

Interior minister suggests investigation into legislators’ assets and Panama Papers inquiry should proceed simultaneously

Going after Senate Opposition Leader Aitzaz Ahsan over his speech in the house, he said the prime minister had never concealed his flats in London’s Mayfair neighbourhood, adding that the late Benazir Bhutto had visited the residences more than once when she travelled to the United Kingdom to sign the Charter of Democracy (CoD).

“What would you say about those who deliberately concealed their assets abroad,” he asked, adding that the ownership of the Surrey Mansion had been denied for a long time, but ultimately accepted before a court in London.

He insisted that the demand for an FIA investigation into the Panama Papers leak had been made by Mr Khan, stressing that he had not activated the agency on his own since that would have invited allegations of nepotism.

He also said that despite his offer that Mr Khan name any FIA officer to head the inquiry, his nominee — Dr Shoaib Suddle — was not an FIA officer.

He called for efforts to investigate the Panama Papers revelations properly and that they should not be used to stir up unrest through allegations, public meetings and threats.

Talking about the Axact case, he said that he had ordered an investigation on the basis of an application by the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), adding that he had received a preliminary inquiry report.

When asked to comment on the PTI’s announcement of a march on the Raiwind residence of the prime minister, he said sieges and arson could not take the democratic process forward and hoped that this would not happen.

Chaudhry Nisar ruled out permission for the PTI to hold its foundation day event at either at D Chowk or F-9 Park, saying there was a ban on political gatherings in the federal capital.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2016