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ISLAMABAD: In the absence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, senior PML-N leaders met in his office to thrash out a strategy to handle the opposition in the wake of the Panama Leaks. Maryam Nawaz was a key participant at the meeting.
According to a press release, the sitting was presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, but an official at the PM Office said its pivot was Ms Maryam, the premier’s daughter.
She came up with her opinions and suggestions on a number of issues under discussion.
“Unlike her earlier presence in certain meetings chaired by the prime minister, this time Maryam Nawaz actively participated in deliberations and, at times, sounded in command,” said the official.
He said Ms Maryam thought that the ruling party had not put up an adequate defence of the prime minister and his family on the Panama Papers leak. She called for a “robust defence” at all levels.
She also took the lead in rejecting the opposition’s demand for a judicial commission led by a serving judge, let alone the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
“If at all the commission is formed it will be the one headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court as announced by the prime minister in his address to the nation,” the meeting decided, according a PML-N source.
For independent observers, it appeared that while her father is in London for a ‘medical check-up’, Ms Maryam has decided to actively take part in both political and government issues.
The meeting, also attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, decided to reach out to all political parties to present the government’s viewpoint on the Panama Papers. It discussed terms of reference (ToRs) of the proposed judicial commission for investigation into allegations levelled against the Sharif family for money laundering and tax evasion to set up offshore companies.
According to the ToRs, the commission will be fully empowered to look into allegations against the Sharif family as well as other Pakistanis mentioned in the Panama Papers. If possible, more than one judge can be made part of the commission, which will have all institutions in it, including the State Bank.
Talking to Dawn, PML-N leader Mushahidullah Khan, who was present in the meeting, said that although Ms Maryam looked after the media side, she had in the past also attended such high-level meetings chaired by the prime minister.
He said the government was ready to constitute the judicial commission and even discussed its ToRs at the meeting, but the opposition appeared to be divided on it.
“We have decided to contact all opposition parties, including the PTI, and, depending on their input, will take a decision on the formation of the commission. At the moment, the PTI wants a CJP-led commission, while the PPP demands a parliamentary committee to investigate the Panama leaks,” Senator Khan said, adding that let’s see how the situation developed in coming days.
According to the PM Office official, the prime minister’s return from London will depend on the advice of his doctors because he was genuinely unwell.
According to the official statement, the meeting decided to forcefully defend the prime minister and his family at all forums against the “ridiculous accusations by those who wanted to achieve their ulterior motives through propaganda”.
The meeting regretted that some elements had once again become active to derail the democratic system only to fulfill their personal agendas. It decided to keep the nation aware of the designs of the elements which wanted to ruin the country economically.
Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2016
Comments (129) Closed
One has to defends oneself against allegations....... and here we have more than simple allegations.......
what they defend? Its impossible to defend the solid reality
Again a proof of her undemocratic attitude, its david cameron alone had to come up and prove himself not guilty, our pm doesnt even come to parliment and she want a response from govt.
I think they still have things about Imran Khan per Ch. Nisar recent threat... its about time they should bring it out to discredit him so save their government otherwise it will be too late...
You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. Abraham Lincoln
Out of 11.5 million papers, only a fraction have been made public. So, is the PML-N silent because their name may be in the rest of the documents?
Maryam and Bilawal getting in control. This is what these parties call democracy. This country hass no hope.
In what capacity did she attend and presided over the meeting? And then we are told it's not a monarchy.....
PML-N monarchy's in action..
Good bye democracy
And who is she to decide?
Is this a democracy or a dynastic system. Any investigation must be by an independent prosecutor
What they can do? Money laundering, tax evasion and fraud has been done , why a political party should come forward to defend a family, it was not committed by a party, so please understand.
Seriously Ms. Maryam? I always supported but this incident has shaken me to the core. You got to tell us the source of money through which you and your family has gather throughout all these years. I don't want to support a party anymore that has eaten Pakistan money and living life of prince and princess while people are dying due to lack of all basic necessities of life.
Why is PMLN responsible for "defending" the wrongdoings of their party chief? This is the personal matter of Sharif family. Let them deal with it.
Can you name one country where the party defends the leader and his family on personal financial matters. In fact, PMLN should be asking them to explain their position on all these allegations and throw them out if there are any wrongdoings.
She thinks she is a princess and PMLN is bunch of courtiers,whose only job is to serve the royal family, what a shame!!!!!!!
How does one defend what clearly is a case of atleast tax avoidance by the First family itself? The level of moral incorrectness in this case is too blatant and to expect other PML-N leader to defend it is obviously expecting a lot.
Who is this Maryam Nawaz again? An MNA, MPA, senator, minister, bureaucrat or a technocrat?
Derail democracy? So democracy means that you keep on looting this country without being asked any question? Stop hiding behind this excuse for once PMLN.
How PMLN is supposed to defend Sharif Family? Isn't it a democratic party? Instead PMLN should inquire Sharif family on this issue.
Its proved they are involved, so what the inquiry for? and at what status Marium chairs the Meetings which are funded by Tax payers funds
She will replace Nawaz as PM
Did any ruling party man from Britain and Iceland defended their PM on Panama leaks?
It will be good for Pakistan's political health and democracy if the corrupt leaders are not allowed to enter the country again.
What position does she hold in the government or the party to give command and orders to seasoned politicians and ministers? Her only qualification is that she is the King's daughter.
Is she the interim PM??
Maryam, you could be unhappy but not much of a response is needed. All you need to share the source of funds used by the company corroborated by your tax and wealth statement; this will shut up everyone. Can you please do that?
Isn't a party formed around objectives/ideology? Why should the party members support the leaders personal or his family's wrong doing? High time we need to do away with family politics!
And why should the 'political party' defend a families personal businesses?
That means all efforts of Danial Aziz/Pervez Rasheed will be fruitless and no reward will be given to them!
If they have absolutely nothing to hide and they haven't done anything illegal then they should not have any problem with who heads the commission and the terms of references. How can I commit a crime and then tell the judge how to prosecute me.. What can and cannot be used to convict me of my crime. This is just ridiculous! Side note, the prime minister of a country shouldn't be going out of the country for his medical checkup. And if he does then he should provide that privilege to all the others who die due to lack of healthcare in Pakistan. Such a shame!
i am PML-N supporter but if PML-N supports the shariff family because they are related to PM, i would stop supporting this party. The decision should be based on right and wrong.
I can not believe these people are defending the facts and findings. Mr. Nawaz should resign right away beciasenhe lied to the nation and they have off shores accounts.
@Chicago She has asked the party to defend the PM (also the party's leader!) not the government..
And that sums up the entire existence and decision making of PMLN. Its all family business eventually
This attitude just shows that PMLN is a family business and not a democratic party.
Why defend, why not seek truth?
Corruption is another Monster after Terrorism...ruined the society equally. Alas, if you talk about, particularly the ruling class involved in it, it would be certainly comprehended to 'derail the democratic system'...!!!
She herself denied her family owning any properties overseas. And now Maryam wants “robust defence” to cover her lies? They would have never owned up to it until the Panama Leaks happened as they thought offshore companies would remain shrouded in secrecy.
In what capacity did Maryam attend the meeting at PM house? Hubris, ancestral political rights taken to new levels!!! Certainly not democratic system, but indeed feudal of medieval times... wake up, smell the coffee...
I am really surprised the way their ministers gratified the sharif family by coming on media repeatedly. Sill the king's litter princess seems unsatisfied.
What about her statement of not having any property in Pakistan or abroad ??? whats her response now after proven that she lied ...
A house built without solid foundations shall not stand! There will be no need to be defensive if you have nothing to hide.
Is Maryam an elected representative?
Facts not propaganda 1. These companies were satup in 1990's not 2006 2. Which banking channels used to transfer money from Pakistan if it was legal? 3. Hassan Nawaz lived in these apartments 1998 during his studies in London 4 Hussain accepted they bought these in 2006 through offshore companies! time traveller he is 5. Maryam Safdar denied having owned the companies 6. Did PM Sharif and the retired capt Safdar declared these properties owned by their dependants to Election Commission?
now keep defending forcefully but it will not change the facts!
What a disgrace , the fact is Muryam Nawaz knows PMLN is their family party , it has nothing to do with ethics, leadership or representing a country. We need to get rid of this school of thought if we want to see our country progressing with other nations or we all will ended up in a place where we will be known as THE UNKNOWN.
She also took the lead in rejecting the opposition’s demand for a judicial commission led by a serving judge, let alone the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Why what have you got to hide Maryam?
if she and her family are honest to do something for Pakistan and its people and not running the office in their interest then why not you bring back all that billions of dollars that you invested in foreign countries through money laundering and corruptions and give to the country coffer or at least some part of it, or at least invest it here pay taxes,
Her excellency did not like that her family being questioned. You poor people how dare you
@Manaam.. very rightly said.. great brother
Mian sharif was born in 1919 in Amritsar village, migrated to Lahore in 1947. Question then how at the age of 20 years he established ittefaq industries in Lahore in 1939, as stated by PM. No further questions.
It is all in the family - Barray Miansahib PM, Chotay Miansahib CM of Punjab , Finance minister Dar another relation. Hamza Sharif MNA.
Has she disowned her earlier claim of having no properties inside or outside Pakistan?
Their own behavior is a threat to democracy. The Panama leaks should be dealt by the nawaz family not government. Corruption and poor governance are the biggest threats to economic development and democracy
In what capacity is she attending the government meetings?
@Ali Rizvi who defended David Cameroon and Iceland's Premier?If you are guilty you have to defend yourself not the party.
Please resign as soon as possible for the sake of the country. thank you
Call for accountability and these politicians will decry " democracy in danger,the opposition is trying to derail democracy ". So, can any one suggest, how to bring those in power into accountability net ?
Even in a monarchy, there are some rules.
"wanted to ruin the country economically" --- ??? What do you call taking money from the country and stashing it abroad?
The Sharif family has to realise the country cannot be run like a jagir of a dynasty. The elders should keep their children out of politics, doesn't help their image.
It is shameful that instead of resigning they want to defend. Actually they are not only defending their seat but also the billions of dollars which they accumulated over decades by making the Pakistanis penniless!!!
There is nobody derailing the democracy the people of Pakistan wants to know from the PM the massive amount reported in Foriegn investment by his famply where this money has come from. There is no point hiding the facts being the head of the goverbment he should come clean.
You scratch my back & I scratch you back
"" Ms Maryam thought that the ruling party had not put up an adequate defence of the prime minister and " his family". democracy in danger as family is not defended adequately.
Under what constitutional capacity is she taking control of government decisions ?
I wonder if they know what the word"shame" means?
You call this democracy ???? in what capacity she attends or head govt meetings ????
@Muhammad you spoke my heart out Sir!
@MindShare , but they have always fooled the people and people have taken it all the time.
Dear People of Pakistan, It is none of your business how Sharif family made money, how much, did they pay taxes on it, or didn't just go back to voting for them.
The best defense is to return looted money.
When one is guilty of illegally acquired assets it is logical to be unhappy when exposed
First we had to endure their parents now our future generations will have to endure their children.
Marayam sharif has zeal of Mrs.Butto. Wishing her safety and successful political career ahead from proud Indian.
now she wants evrrybody to defend sharif fsmily's corruption.enough.
The Panama Papers revealed the real face of Sharif family. Maraym Nawaz also concealed her assets abroad and now she wants to use the party to defend the Sharif family.
@Haris A Chaudhry. David Cameron came out alone because he was speaking truth.
@Abdul ........wish her well as she will truly ruin Pakistan if she ever gets into power!
Bibi Maryam, the easy thing you can do is to bring the money back to Pakistan. If it's legal money, then pay the tax. If it's illegal, then surrender the money and surrender yourself to appropriate authorities.
so saaadddd, our politics.. than we say we have democracy. Panama papers,, understood that she can intervene but why she has to be involved in government and political issues.
Now they, their cohorts and subordinates are all going to attack and badmouth whoever dared to speak about their supposed transgressions.
How long we the people of Pakistan will tolerate and protect these corrupt politicians and their continues lies? These politicians have been stealing money from the national treasure for a long time and moving out to western countries. Time to get rid of them or never.
It is time for our army to step in for this investigation. Sincerely.
Hassan Nawaz has stated in an interview that ",,,they own properties overseas" and Maryyam stated that they don;t. Well- someone is lying.
Corruption cancer is rooted deeply very deeply in the country. O God have some mercy on us and uproot those who are curating Pakistan. Aamen.
NS has no moral authority to continue as PM. . How do you defend dishonesty.NS should resign immediately
@SKhan : They are sensible people minding their own business knowing that, law would take its own course without them even raising a finger. But, not us where every single person riding a car has to prove from where he got the money to buy a car costing millions. And, the number of cars has already crossed the mystical figure of a crore in a country of 20 crore poor!
Sounds like Maryam will be the next PM after Nawaz resigns.
What does tell you about our healthcare as a nation where the prime minister has to go overseas for treatment. Perhaps he should have concentrated on improving healthcare facilities in the country.
@Waqas Kaka they all know that they are screwing the common man and frankly they don't give a crap. Somebody, some day will resurrect the dead spirit of this nation so that looters can be held accountable.
"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. Abraham Lincoln" This was said for people in the USA. As for Pakistani people, they are all in deep sleep, and they have been fooled for the last 60+ yrars.
Actually there is nothing to investigate. PM must resign.
Derail democracy. I would rather not have this type of democracy, and have food, clothing, housing, education, safety and health for all citizens. You can call it what ever you like.
How can you deny the facts being brought out by International Organization of journalists. Your moral authority to rule this poor country has vanished for good.
"It decided to keep the nation aware of the designs of the elements which wanted to ruin the country economically".
By investing money in off-shore companies, were they improving the economic condition of the country?
@parveez spot on
its hard to defend the indefensible, she should give up; no body is fooled anymore, its a seperate matter that nothing will happen and no one will be held accountable.....the whole system is rotten to the core.
Derail Democracy?! - Are they talking about the same 'democracy' which gives Maryam Nawaz (not a elected official) the right to preside over a meeting and decide how the judiciary should and should not investigate their crimes simply because she is the daughter of the Prime Minister? Sorry to break it to you, that is not called Democracy. That's called Monarchy!
Bhuttos and Sharifs will continue to fool us in the name of 'democracy' until we let them. It's time people of Pakistan open their eyes and demand answers, demand accountability and demand better governance. They sit there and repeat day after day how much their party has 'sacrificed for democracy'.. They haven't sacrificed for anything but for their own benefit. The only ones who sacrificed anything are the people of Pakistan. We have sacrificed our lives, our well being, our children's futures. Enough!
The report says, "...he meeting regretted that some elements had once again become active to derail the democratic system only to fulfill their personal agendas...". LOL!
What else can she do?
Open Confession, surrendering ill gotten money & then asking for forgiveness is the only recipe available to tax all evaders, if he delays, Nawaz Sharif can get dislodged soon.
From "minus Altaf" to "minus Nawaz"; what a difference a few months make!
Please resign we have no faith in pmln
Is she an elected member of the NA, in what capacity she is participating in the meetings. Is the meeting related to family business or affairs of the state of Pakistan? I am waiting to see when Nawaz' grand children will be seen in meetings.
She's unhappy, not for lack of good defense.
She's only unhappy at the leak of Panama Papers, and revelation of her family's obscene level of wealth abroad.
destruction or resurrection of the nation and its economy?who has the choice, the government or the public .Hope that the judicial enquiry and the lead ahead would lend the land and its people in safer hands
What is there to defend about?The Sharif family was caught red handed.
Instead of having courage to come forward and apologize to the nation and bring the looted money back to the country, she has been struggling to bully on her party high up to lie more and more for their blunders. If there are any clean politicians in the PLMN, they shall come forward and remove Nawaz and his co from power and investigate them. It is simply a joke that they loot the tax payers money and then claiming to be innocent.
I condemn the Sharif family's involvement in trying to set-up their own rubber stamp commission to investigate their crimes. This is indeed a joke in the name of free judiciary and real justice in this matter. The only true and justified option is for the PM and his family to be removed from their public office positions, call for setting up a care-taker government that can independently investigate and bring the criminals to justice irrespectiveof who they are.
People of Pakistan will be respected within the country as well as abroad if they bring Imran Khan as their leader. A reformer is needed.
Maybe someone should tell her it's hard for the party to have a "robust offensive defence" when you're trying to hide guilty evidence.
You know who else is unhappy of PML response/excuse to Panama papers? The ppl of PK!!
Unfortunately the one who crates the loudest noise with hollow slogans becomes a big leader in Pakistan despite being corrupt. In the west they are using fear and phobia to get votes and in the sub continent it is machismo combined with loud hollow slogans used as method to get votes. What a shame the propagandists always win and the gullible masses are the losers
According to some reports, in some of the papers, the terms of reference, would not allow anyone to question the Almighty Sharif family. This would make the whole process, a complete whitewash. No one would be satisfied and I hope, that any retired judge would not accept with this caveat, The Prime Minister's daughter had no right to be present in the meeting. She was not the member of the government and she is not even an elected representative. Is this democracy? I guess not
They all should be in jail instead of running the country.
Nawaz Sharif should resign immediately, he has violated the law of the land. Maryam too lied about her properties/ business. This family must be accountable. Maryam's " Nasha " of power should brought down by the people of Pakistan.
Is she 'Sonia Gandhi' of Pakistan?
Real face of Sharif family has been exposed. They are getting all the benefits in Pakistan from tax money of ordinary people and hiding their assets abroad. Greed has no limits.
Not a single comment supporting her. Really encouraging to see people asking for the truth.
Remember 'Qarza utaro mulk sanwaro' from 1997? I think that money - donated by millions of unsuspecting Pakistanis - is now sitting in Panama or Saudi Arabia or London
This is a national crisis and each and every Pakistani should be on-board for the investigation by a Judicial Commission. Nothing should be taken for personal point scoring and leave all reactions till the completion of investigations. We are fed-up with politicians taking everything for twisting to their own selfish ends.
@Sal Correct! The Panama papers have all the information of real transactions and those Bank involved can not deny this nor delete it.
We have no hope with the lot we have unfortunately.
Either Maryam Nawaz, or Bilawal Zardari, or Hamza Shahbaz will be our future prime minister because we deserve nothing better than these cronies.
First the PM said it is their family affairs, and yet they want the PMLN to defend them.
@TrueMuslim
Anyone that has to affix a "True" to his name to prove himself is already a fake in my eyes. Have you not had enough trouble for almost 3 years? What would it take for you to understand you have been a sheep in this pen of sharif controlled farm? There is no PMLN, only sharif party. It does as he wants, it has no free will of its own. Dont support IK or AZ but please wake up.
This has nothing to do with PML as a political party but everything to do with allegations of corruption on the Sharif family. Let them respond while keeping the party out of it.
what can they have against IK, please bring it out. Only simple people believe these fraudsters!
So the TORs shall be Is Panama leak a conspiracy How dare Panama leak include Sharif family name How and why FEW people in Pakistan gained enough courage to question Sharifs What were Gulu Butts doing when this all happened and why they did not act as they did in model town incident Blame All miscreants who dared question Sharifs and thus defend democracy Long live sleeping bunch of people "