Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, after the Supreme Court ruling on the Panamagate case, urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign for the duration of an investigation into how the Sharif family's money was transferred to Qatar.
"I demand Nawaz Sharif resign... Until the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) completes its probe," Khan said.
"If you're cleared within 60 days, you can return," Khan said.
The PTI chairman congratulated the nation on the "historic" ruling. "This has never happened in the history of Pakistan."
The Supreme Court verdict was split 3-2 among a five-judge bench, with two dissenting notes in the judgement by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Gulzar Ahmed. The two judges ruled against PM Nawaz Sharif, saying he should be disqualified, whereas the other three were in favour of forming a JIT.
"All five judges have decided that whatever Nawaz Sharif said, it has been rejected. The money trail, the sources of income ─ everything is in front of the nation... In other words, it has been declared a falsehood."
"The two most senior judges said to disqualify the PM," Khan said.
However, "they [the PML-N] are giving out mithai over the fact that two judges have said he is dishonest."
"Five judges have dismissed their defence – is this what you are celebrating?" Khan asked the ruling party.
PPP calls for PM's resignation: 'Real face of Nawaz not sharif'
"Nawaz Sharif should hand in his resignation," former president Asif Ali Zardari said while addressing a press conference. "I condemn the [court's] decision," he asserted.
"Mian sahab you have failed. You cannot run the government. Give someone else a chance to run the government," he said.
"A decision which the Supreme Court could not make, how will the Grade-19 officers under the PM decide the case?" he asked.
"They have no concerns except their own enjoyment," the PPP co-chairman said of the PML-N.
"Why are they distributing sweets? Because two senior judges said you [PM Nawaz Sharif] should be disqualified? Is this why you are eating mithai?" he asked.
"You have deceived the nation," Zardari said.
"Imran Khan, we told you to join us and form legislation and then take it to the court," he said. "But he [Khan] does not listen. He has never been to jail, he does not know how judges work, how justice works."
"We believe that if Pakistan is not safe in the hands of Nawaz Sharif, it is also not safe in the hands of Imran Khan," the former president, whose own party is gunning for a victory in the next election, said.
"I am disappointed by Imran Khan leaving us and going to the SC alone. If Aitzaz Ahsan stood there and argued against them [the Sharif family], then the decision might have been different."
"We will see what other political forces decide, and the people's decision will also guide us," he added.
"I think it is evident now to the nation that Nawaz's real face is not sharif," Zardari said.
PPP Senator Aitzaz Ahsan termed the dissenting notes "heavier than the decision of the other three judges."
"The two judges have declared the PM is disqualified. The decision of these two judges is the Supreme Court's decision," Ahsan said.
Formation of JIT
The bench raised questions regarding the money trail for the Sharif family's Gulf steel mill and ordered the JIT to investigate the letter from a Qatari royal ─ dismissed today by the bench ─ which was submitted by Sharif's lawyer as evidence in the case.
The JIT is to include officials NAB, FIA, State Bank of Pakistan, Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence, the bench said, and will be led by a director-general level FIA officer.
The names of members of the JIT must be announced within seven days, and a probe report must be released within 60 days. The JIT must report its progress to the court on a weekly basis.
Read more: Panamagate verdict: PML-N declares 'victory', Supreme Court orders JIT probe of Sharif family
Comments (122) Closed
Please stop this now already lot of time is wasted in this resign game. 2018 is now not that far lets masses decide who is right and who is corrupt as it is democracy
"PM should resign" This is what Imran has been saying for the past four years, Imran should bank on peoples' power. Prepare for the next elections.
Good move by the court. In Pakistan, elites dont resign on the basis of morality? Even it he goes through JIT, he still feels victorious. Such a shame anyway to celebrate when you were found worthy of top class JIT for laundering.
He has a valid point.
absolutely right. this will pave the way for independant investigation.
@Nomi Goraya... Fair Demand by PTI .. PM Nawaz should resign for fair trial.. and he should appear on front of JTI..
Khan Sahib, relax and calm down to a normal level, general elections are not too far away. I think you will be very lucky if you could win KP again.
How can the same institutions that did not do a professional and impartial job now do justice in a JIT? Has any JIT in the past come up with anything meaningful? What happened to all the investigations in the Model Town massacre?
From now on , every Pakistani is free to siphon off as much money as he or she can and there will be no serious consequences.
Imaran Sir . Finally you lost the race of PM position . Please stop unnecessary provocation against PML-N . He is honest .
@Asteroid Well this was demand of PTI when they went to SC for rigging then it was their demand when they went to SC for PANAMA if I am right. So why the hell that much time and resources of nation are wasted if after that much hype and street shows demand has to come from PTI. Did SC asked PM to step down during JIT investigation? I think PTI said that they will accept the decision of SC so accept it and do not demand anything further
@Qamer Assuming you are not the voter there to bit:-). Arn't you happy that this elite class go through a JIT given that the SC found them worthy of investigation.
Mr IK : What we are celebrating is that YOU were unable to produce anything to NAIL him down? Get it.
This is the standard procedure everywhere that the accoused should resign to conduct a fair trial so the nation knows exactly that the prob is independent and fair enough to believe in.but unfortunately this is Pakistan and here you have to manipulate the process to become victorious God bless the people of Pakistani
Humiliating for a Prime Minister to end up in the dock. The investigation might lead to criminal charges, worse than simply being disqualified. Also the political fallout of the process will be more severe. Hardly any cause for celebration here.
@Nomi Goraya PTI is democratic party and always try to act within the constitutional limits. while PMLn is aggressive party. how could grade 20 officer who works for NS will ask NS to explain . ..God Help Pakistani fools.....
The look on their faces tells it all.....
@Amir GOOD REMARKS
hats off to imran,pakistan does not deserve you.
Imran Khan is true & honest, PPP is all negotiation.
Being almost the first time on a common turf, both Imran Khan and PPP are 100 right in demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for his illegal practices including buying property overseas from unknown and undeclared source of funds.
Whilst I may agree or disagree with various words and deeds of Imran Khan, I believe he is quite right in this matter. The SC verdict has clarified all is not well with the Sharif family financial dealings, and further investigation is warranted. If PM Sharif wishes to show true integrity he should at least temporarily leave his post, until a JIT has made a proper and complete probe as per SC orders.
Legally PM need not resign but morally he should resign
@Nomi Goraya I'm sick of this 'forget it' attitude. Why should we move on? Why? Why shouldn't we demand justice? What's wrong with it?
@Qamer agreed
Resign to have fair investigation, IM is addressing to the wrong person.
@Asteroid This was for SC to decide and for this PTI went to SC otherwise PMLN from very first day agreed for the formation of JIT to probe this PANAMA issue. I think PTI said that it will accept decision of SC so accept it. why now other demands lets follow what SC said in letter and spirit. SC could have commented or suggested that PM should step down during probe but they did not say anything. Where are those black and white proves of PTI what happened to shut and close case claim? What PMLN is people will decide but what PTI is upto we have seen two times in SC that they go to SC with the claim that they have very clear proofs and then end up from the same point from where all started
Morally, shouldn't Imran Khan resign as leader of a political party. He has been raising allegations against all and sundry and not one allegation has been proved in court of law.
Their faces are telling the agony. Please shut up till next general elections.
@Qamer Sir this is not the case of Khan sb, this is case of Pakistan.
Imran Khan is a failed politician and PTI is a marginalized party. The sooner these people understand, the better it'll be.
@Nomi Goraya firstly PTI has accepted SC decision, can you explain how could grade 20 officer can investigate Prime Minister ???
@other side Well demand Justice it seems very innocent wish but ask yourself why we do not take anything seriously why in SC PTI failed miserably to present anything. I really doubt that they do not have enough money to hire a foreign firm to help them to gather all the legal papers needed for the probe? Why PTI just accuse create hype raise sentiments go to court fail and end up at the same point from where all it started? Why we are not able to understand that there is difference in rhetoric and proof. There is difference in street politics and rule of law and if laws are not correct will TRUMP come to rectify them to improve them. I am sick of this mindset where we just make noise accuse others abuse others and then institutes if not able to get the favorable judgement. Why we think that what I think is the right and other has to accept. SC decided
How can FIA whose Boss is Ch Nisar can investigate the financial corruption of Nawaz sharif who is Ch Nisar's Boss ,Impossible also i have no hope military investigation team as well.God Save Pakistan From These Corrupt Rulers
@Khurram and Nomi Goraya: You don't know what you are talking about.
Panama papers showed that Nawaz Sharif children have companies in their name. NS and kids denied that initially. Imran Khan and PTI asked for investigation. He has not alleged them for corruption, Panama papers did. Court asked NS and kids to justify the means - they failed to do so. Court asked JIT to probe this as NAB and FIA didnt.
How on earth this is Imran Khan's failure? How can he has personal proof of NS money laundering as this is not a public document! Panama had proof due to which they publlished against which NS and kids failed to show anything in contrary.
PTI has scored a political point.
PM Nawaz must resign at least for 60 days for the sake of Pakistani nation so that the proper free, fair and corruption-Free investigation by JIT can be done.
@syedchaudhrygangadinkhan Actually you are the person who need to understand that if Pakistan is being plundered by these PMLN it would become a banana republic. We need to stand against these corrupt politicians...
@jawaid Its 40 degrees out there, why do their faces interest you? The mass exodus brain drain continues, why would a sane person stay in Pakistan?
@jawaid 2 judges said, he should disqualify and other 3 asking for JIT. So IK is 100% correct. I feel our nation not using mind to understand verdict. Another 60 days and more things will come up. Also it never happened in history of Pakistan, IK totally deserves hats off ovation, because of him, this all happened.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
@Asteroid Well PTI have not faith on Parliament which was right place to investigate this issue. So they said that they will go to SC as they have all the proofs. When people objected that SC is not right place to probe this issue as SC is court of LAW and not investigating body then PTI claimed that it is just shut and close case and they have no trust on NAB, FIA etc. Then PTI fought for the case with all those proves and PTI said that they will accept the verdict of SC now if PTI never wanted that JIT to be formed it should have mentioned this thing clearly during proceedings? Why now when already so much time is wasted. Just tell me what was point of conflict between PTI and PMLN for PANAMA investigation the very mantra that NS must resign which PMLN refused so PTI went to SC and after that much exercise again the same mantra? Is this joke ?
PM Nawaz Sharief has lost his case . He should immediately resign .
@Tanweer A bowling spell lasts at LEAST five overs. That was a bouncer, just wait for the Great Khans yorker. Mr incompetent wont know what happened.
@analyseS If he has no proves then why he went to SC? Why he accused any person without any proof ? I would have not get irritated if IK did not have baggage of false accusations and this demand that NS must resign have come first time. From rigging to PANAMA and from ex CJ to ex COAS to Najam Saithy and from Parliment to NAB to FBR to EC he always has the same attitude accuse anyone for anything and when other one ask for proof either go silent or hit back and say that prove your innocence lol
@jUNAID I wish real life is a cricket match .....
@Nomi Goraya we know what masses will decide. This is a court's matter, they have broken the law. Its not the masses who will decide whether he has done money laundering or not.
PM should have voluntarily resigned
@SALMAN Agreed so court decided accept it. Did court ordered or even suggest NS to step down duirng JIT probe? If not then why IK is not accepting verdict of court
@ JUNAID : NS has won the "away series". Time now for "home series"......
@Nomi Goraya Be careful what you wish for my friend.
"He has never been to jail, ..." ... Yes. Because he is NOT corrupt like YOU.
"We believe that if Pakistan is not safe in the hands of Nawaz Sharif, it is also not safe in the hands of Imran Khan," the former president, whose own party is gunning for a victory in the next election, Said Zardari, wait, its only been 4 years since PPP lost, its only been four years so Zardari should still remember the fact that his government was the worst government in the history of the country. His party leaders including Zardari had cases upon cases of corruption against them.
Back to square one. Dharna version 3.
@Nomi Goraya Elections are not meant for trial of criminals. Corruption cases go to court and not elections in a democratic country.
@Nomi Goraya, though I've always disagreed with your stance on Gen. Raheel's appointment, this is first time your comment has made sense.
Thumbs up!!
this is frustration...what they were looking to design their marketing campaign for upcoming election based on this expected decision which become unexpected! Now the point of concern is on what grounds they will run their campaign because both parties had ruling in provinces and what will they bring to public to show off their performance. Please keep in mind that this JIT will be directly reported to Supreme court not to PM or Interior Minister!
This should have been by SUPREME COURT to suspend NS until JIT result ,
Democracy has failed us. All empty brains rise to the top and frustrated capable brains get themselves drained in the foremost opportunity. This catastrophic democracy will continue to perpetuate itself in the system devised by those, who exist only for glorification of corruption and corrupt practices for self enrichment But, the ordinary citizen in need of life, has no hope even down the generations to come.
So 2 SC judges have disqualified him and other 3 want additional investigation...
So how has NS won. He stands guilty until JIT reports otherwise.....
IK should resign for wasting years of the nation.
@Qamer its not the question who wins or lose, its the question of principle and morality. which you dont find in our country
We can form our own opinions to satisfy our ego's the way we want interpretating judgement or comments of dissenting judges or judgement itself. We should seriously go through 500+ pages to understand the case and judgement reason instead of beating the bush because xyz politicians say so. Bottom line, judgement is what majority said. Both parties failed to provide solid evidences. When there is hope, there is always way forward. Let's wait for JIT and it's finding as see what next. SC will monitor it, we should still have faith on cases logical conclusion based on evidences.
Back to square one.
Court raised question on integrity of the prime minister, but hello.. this is Prime Minister of Pakistan..NS.
@yaser arafat ????? how is that so?? depends on which case ur actually writing about tho... people aren't told?
@Qamer , Pakistan is in a mess because of the mindset of people like you. It is not about next election it is about justice for all, it is about punishing who commit a crime no matter who they are. People like you are putting crown on Sharjeel and like him. If you don't change your mindset then stay in the mess you are in and enjoy.
@Asteroid what a democratic party. Cant hold election within party.
And Pakistan is safe in hands of Zordari???
@dost Mohammed Daydreaming is hazardous to our health.
@Nomi Goraya, it's not called "wasting of time", it's called "politics of principles" and IK is the best in this, he will play till last ball, we know him and he is right.
Mr. Imran should be believe in power of the vote rather than finding back doors.
@muhammad kashif iqbal you must be out of mind, these are delaying tactics, nothing else.
Solid argument by Mr Zardari, Imran has never been to jail, he learnt a lot during his team which Imran has not.
@M.Saeed You must be a Musharaf supporter.
"A decision which the Supreme Court could not make, how will the Grade-19 officers under the PM decide the case?" Mr. Zardari you summed it well.
Imran and Zardari speaking in the same tone. Hmmmm...
"The government is a reflection of the people and society"
Its a genuine to demand that PM should resign so he cannot influence the JIT investigation. This happens in every civilized democratic society.
@Azmeen No judge cleared him.
@jUNAID Hmmm wait for Yorker you say? Been waiting for four years buddy. Just seeing no ball after no ball! Wide after wide! Perhaps if you and your leader could realise this is leadership of the 6th largest country of the world not a trifling gulli danda match.
It is nothing but a show when the politicians who themselves are notorious for corruption comment on the verdict.
@Nomi Goraya, oh bhai, we need to get rid of these corrupts and that's what IK is right about! People like you are the ones who elect these corrupts and keep supporting them even when everything is crystal clear..
No surprises here, nothing will happen to rich and powerful.
@Nomi Goraya it is important to create a culture of accountability , these leaders should be made aware that there is court of law and money they steal they will he held accountable for ,
Former President Asif Ali Zardari & Imran Khan both are demanding resignation from PM Nawaz Sharif who still have 2 months to prove his innocence. Besides the fate of Dawn Leaks also hanging. Let's wait and see the moves of rulers in next 3 months.
Zardari is afraid of Imran Khan
Though one can agree with Imran Khan's argument. It can have serious repercussions. The judicial has taken the right decision. Let the democratic process continue. It will only make Pakistan stronger
No need for knee jerk reactions. #peace
Zardari demanding that Nawaz Sharif should resign! He must be joking.
It's not gonna HAPPEN!
European leaders resogn to show respect to the nation of their corruption or little mistake. Nawaz Sharif is not Sharif enough to step down and resign.
@Nomi Goraya
You seem to forget that the accused needs to present the evidence. The ownership of the assets in question has never been in doubt and the onus was on the NS and family to prove that it was acquired by means that were all above board and the court has said no it isn't. If you have a car parked outside your house and someone says it was bought with illegally earned money you have to prove your means of purchasing the vehicle...you don't ask the accuser to prove your earnings were illegal.
If NS had any self-respect or morals, he would have resigned for the jit investigation.
@Hazarawal Imran Khan is not saying that for himself.. He is saying that for you people. Even if Nawaz resigns someone else from PMLN would take his place so IK is not winning anything.
@Azad khial I didn't know you could bowl a yorker in gulli danda but clearly your experience is telling. Fact reamins a yorker only takes one delivery, and it usually comes at the end of the 5o over slot. 6th largest country it may be, but the fact remains the proffessionals don't want to stay there a minute longer, and the working class (the majority) continues to suffer. Besides, I don't recall IK being charged for any wides or no balls. Maybe you're playing virtual cricket online. : )
The grapes proved to be sour for the opposition parties.
The loser politicians should move on and give it rest now. Now work with the government for the sake of betterment of country.
. "Honoré de Balzac may, after all, be right when he had said that behind every great fortune for which one is at a loss to account there is a crime." (Remark by Justice Khosa) , Nothing is further from the truth. Money laundering trail began from Lahore, traveled through Qatar, Saudi Arabia and finally culminated in London. It is going to take more than a JIT to unravel this case.
If Nawaz Sharif accepts the demand of IMran Khan and Zardari then ultimately his hand picked person, may byCh. Nisar, Ahsan Iqbal, or anyother else will be elected as next PM. But think if Nawaz's picked man will not favour his leader by putting pressure on the JIT
Why does Zardari need to be asked to join and do what is right? Even if IK did not "ask" him, should be not have joined by himself and fought for the nation?
Zardari.....pot calling the kettle black, comes to mind. How dare he insult the intelligence of this nation
@Nomi Goraya In 1 year, country can go up or down if not right and honest person is steering it in the right direction.
Why is zardari speaking?
Imran Khan did the right thing not allying with PPP.
@Nomi Goraya why let it go? Seems it's not your money which was looted!
The Sharifs are so happy because they expected a much worse outcome, they know they "got away". By the way, IK reminds me of AK (Kejriwal) - always siyappa.
Mr, IK, enough is enough. Stop this spread of hate, we are already too much divided on hate, ethnic and religious lines. You tried many avenue, nothing worked, either you retired, or wait for the next election and perhaps if not is not overly boring for you--indulge in some challenging social issues and how to bring changes there.
It is not what Imran Khan wants or not wants. The PM should have the decency and moral strength to behave like a PM.
He should have stepped aside long ago and today he would be vindicated and return with full authority and he could have won the next election with a land slide . By his not showing any moral strength , sticking to the PM's Chair like glue. Mr. Sharif has shown he is a very tiny man with no regards for Dignity , integrity or morals.
Zardari Sb why are you demanding Resign? i shocked when PPP talk about corruption, what your government have done in your previous 5 year era, All PPP leaders are involved in Ransom, extortion, murder cases, please someone take notice of the Uzair Baloch Pandora Box, what these culprits have done with innocent civilians in Karachi with the help of Hundred Gangster like Uzair Baloch,
Let us be factual. can Nawaz clique equal the record created by the doctor who fled away with Rs 479 billion just in one hand?
I would like nawaz sharif to complete term..but should be penalized
I don't understand why Imran is soo desperate and in hurry when court has not said something substantial against Nawaz?
Putting a charge is not the verdict or proof that someone is a culprit. But, Imran is always in hurry and seems very immature in politics. Even in his cricket days, he was like a dictator who spoiled many talents but somehow got a world cup which Ricky Ponting won twice though he is not treated like a god. In fact, except Imran non of cricketers who won the world cup is treated like a god.
The same attitude he has in politics. Hope, like he won the world cup from no where he becomes PM but luck never works dear.
It's hard to accept but as independent person, I see the above as true lines. Imran is honest but needs maturity to be successful in politics. He should focus more on constructive politics rather ho halla and senseless discussion.
Rest Pakistani knows better and good luck to them as they have Army after all which is ruling by front or from back :)
I don't know what is right or wrong. But JIT made so far have done nothing in this country as per se. But I am seeing ultimately PMLN is at loss. Same would happen with the PMLN in 2018 what had happened with PPP in 2013. Shareef mafia devastated the party badly.
@Nomi Goraya - Like saying all sins forgiven, go ahead enjoy your billions!
Time to admit, you don't question the Royals of Takht-e- Lahore.
Look who is saying WHAT?
I'm of the opinion that nawaz had done a fabulous work to lift Pakistan. Pakistanis should respect him and should believe him to make Pakistan more better.
@Nomi Goraya
Elections have got nothing to do with corruption. Are you saying then political leaders can keep looting the nation and tgeir only punishment would be to lose the election?
That is not democracy my friend, not the way I know it. I think its fair on the part of the opposition to ask for pm's resignation to ensure a fair investigation.
@JAved mirani
I never said that any judge cleared NS.
He is celebrating his freedom instead of being in jail he is still a free man and the PM.
I think Nawaz have not yet fully understood the verdict and it's consequences. As soon as he understands it will follow with his resignation. No matter what how shameless one can be there is always some shame remaining in some deep corner. Once NS resigns for the duration of the JIT investigation he should not be allowed to leave the country.
Pakistan/Panjab Zindabad. Nawaz Zindabad. He will be elected again. Good willing.
Where is Nawaz's brother Shahbaz and ishaq Dar in all this, they are equally guilty of corruption. This is all a farce, for now I am going with it.