Top-level PML-N huddle mulls party's legal and political strategy post JIT report

E-Paper | July 31, 2026

Top PML-N officials met at PM House on Tuesday to discuss the party's legal and political strategy following the submission to the apex court of a damning inquiry report probing the Sharif family's wealth a day earlier.

The 'unofficial' meeting was held to review the Supreme Court-sanctioned joint investigation team's report, according to DawnNews.

Sources said the PML-N's legal team briefed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the JIT report. Participants of the meeting also discussed points of argument regarding the report that could be raised in court.

Read complete text of the JIT report here.

PM Nawaz in a meeting last night directed his legal team to prepare their response, which will be filed before the Supreme Court.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Water and Minister of Petroleum Khaqan Abbasi as well as Barrister Zafarullah and the rest of the PML-N's legal team.

The JIT report, spread over 10 volumes, declared that the prime minister's sons ─ Hussain and Hassan Nawaz ─ were used as proxies to build family assets.

The report said the financial structure and health of companies in Pakistan that are linked to the Sharifs do not substantiate the family’s wealth and a significant disparity exists between the wealth declared by the Sharifs and the means through which they generated income.

The JIT pointed out a failure on the part of the Sharifs to produce the required information that would confirm their “known sources of income”, saying that prima facie, it amounted to saying that they were not able to reconcile their assets with their means of income.

PML-N leaders, in a press conference after the submission of the report, announced that the party would contest the report in the court, and labelled it 'worthless trash'.

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Dawn

Jul 11, 2017 01:38pm

I guess the legal team should be clear that time ahead is going to more tough for them since they have to prove to the SC that JIT evidences is Trash as quoted by senior ministers of PMLn.

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waleed Mohajir

Jul 11, 2017 01:39pm

Even though i am the voter an supporter of MQM Altaf and i will always be but i here credit Imran Khan for bringing corrupts into the front..salute Khan sahab.

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Mohamed

Jul 11, 2017 01:39pm

He must resign before further damage to his reputation and blood shed in the country

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Ghaznavi

Jul 11, 2017 01:41pm

'Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Water and Minister of Petroleum Khaqan Abbasi as well as Barrister Zafarullah and the rest of the PML-N's legal team.' What are these people doing, haven't they got a job to do. What is the Defence minister doing attending meeting to find a strategy to hide Sharif family crimes. he should be working out strategies to defend the country. THIS IS JUST A COMPLETE JOKE.

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ruby

Jul 11, 2017 01:41pm

Legal team will charge even more money now.

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Dawn

Jul 11, 2017 01:43pm

And PMLn team can prove JIT evidences wrong only if they provide SC the actual docs. and not Qatari Prince letters (read love letters)

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Gerry dcunha

Jul 11, 2017 01:44pm

SC should take serious notice of PML alligation against JIT report as trash to the SC

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Parveez

Jul 11, 2017 01:44pm

It's people around the PM who should advise him to step down. But unfortunately they will not because that means they will also loose out. It will be the advisers who will send the PM to his downfall. That is what happens when you surround yourself with YES man.

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AaN

Jul 11, 2017 01:45pm

Do they have an iota of shame! And about cabinet they are working for government or for pml n leadership and family.

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Usman Ali

Jul 11, 2017 01:45pm

The more they drag it on, the more facts are to be revealed.

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Dawn

Jul 11, 2017 01:48pm

@waleed Mohajir Yes, I am a Karachiite too.& IK has done nothing for Karachi yet but I must give credit to Imran Khan & yes Salute to Imran Khan. I want to see Imran Khan as next PM.

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Akber Ali

Jul 11, 2017 01:48pm

A legal framework of ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY AND ILLEGAL INCOME beyond the monthly income, must be made for whole country and involved persons must be awarded punishment, must be dismissed and money must be recovered and deposited in the treasury of Pakistan.

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Shahid

Jul 11, 2017 01:49pm

They need to understand from their very near past; from money trail for only four flats in London, where they have ended up now. Sometimes commonsense can work miracles.

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MNS

Jul 11, 2017 01:50pm

They will decimate the JIT report which is filled with hearsay and inconsistency.

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Tanweer

Jul 11, 2017 01:53pm

Round One : "They" failed in the elections. Round Two : "They" failed in Isb Dharnas (mini-operation). Round Three : In progress.

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Fahad Zia

Jul 11, 2017 01:57pm

Can someone tell me who do they think they are thay they're going to "reject" the report? It was made by the judges only to satisfy themselves. The only thing PMLN or PTI can challenge is the decision..

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Shaikh

Jul 11, 2017 02:00pm

For God sake, let people of this country live in peace. Trust me, it will not hurt anyone, if you and your corrupt ministers are rotten in jail forever. In fact, it will bring happiness and prosperity in Pakistan.

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The end is near

Jul 11, 2017 02:00pm

Oh man, resign now. You are destroying this country.

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Abdulla Hussain

Jul 11, 2017 02:03pm

Knowing their responsibilities ahead the JIT must have triple checked each and every sentence they included in the JIT report. I don't think any gain can be made by confronting the report. In the beginning simple demands were floated by the opposition had NS paid some attention to them JIT would not have been formed. Nawaz Sharif cannot prove his total innocence meaning he cannot be considered Truthful & Honest a pre-requite for holding PM office. Those advising him to start a legal battle are not taking all aspects into consideration.

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Logic

Jul 11, 2017 02:17pm

They have presented all possible excuses yet not evidences.

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BAXAR

Jul 11, 2017 02:19pm

@Ghaznavi "THIS IS JUST A COMPLETE JOKE." Since people vote them for the entertainment value, what else do you expect from them?

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Harmony-1©

Jul 11, 2017 02:21pm

Corruption, money laundering, forgery, perjury, fraud, tampering, criminality, lies and what not – these are very serious revelations now. PM’s position has become untenable – he should go!

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BAXAR

Jul 11, 2017 02:23pm

@MNS "They will decimate the JIT report which is filled with hearsay and inconsistency." So is the money trail.So they will decimate the report with more hearsay and inconsistencies. Nice project indeed.

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Umar Farooq

Jul 11, 2017 02:23pm

He should fight till the last moment and the nation is with him............

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Mo Ash

Jul 11, 2017 02:24pm

In one of his address to the nation, Nawaz promised to step down if the investigation team found anything against him.

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M. Jan

Jul 11, 2017 02:24pm

Mr. Sharif must resign for the greater good of the nation. Trying to prolong his tainted political career any further will damage the country. I am the party can find an appropriate substitute to lead the government till the next election.

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Asfhash

Jul 11, 2017 02:25pm

PM must resign. He may start losing support of his party.

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baba

Jul 11, 2017 02:25pm

What is left to contest in the court to prove their innocence. They lake morality and character and pretend to be political victim whereas its a criminal case against the noble PM and his family.

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Lone ranger

Jul 11, 2017 02:27pm

"PM Nawaz in a meeting last night directed his legal team to prepare their response"... So PML-N thinks the "trash" is worthy of response!!!

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Imran Kayani

Jul 11, 2017 02:33pm

Put them all in jail. And take all there assets off them . Ban them for life from all political parties

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Khalid Taj

Jul 11, 2017 02:37pm

JIT report is back to zero. Sharif family could not provide money trail during hearing and not in JIT. Case was simple prove transfer of ownership in 2006 from Qatar Foundation to Sharif Family. If you go back to records, most of us could not produce our original birth certificates. Even IK had trouble to produce 14 year old track record. That too was through some friend. Every thing is named to Mian Sharif. Even none of us can provide payslips of our father.

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M.Saeed

Jul 11, 2017 02:39pm

Going by the parameters adopted by the SC and its JIT in probing the family affairs of Sharifs, nothing can be acceptable in anything done by any Government in the history of Pakistan.

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umair

Jul 11, 2017 02:43pm

@waleed Mohajir Rightly said Waleed, I am also not a big supporter of imran but he is the only man in the country who is standing for the truth.Others font even dare.

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umiar1991

Jul 11, 2017 02:43pm

I wonder there is no person in their cabinet or team who should have some iota of moral standing and integrity and back themselves from lying and defending this corrupt dynastic family. They are in the queue to defend "SHARIFs" rather than "The Country". I do not know what is the use of their so much education. Ahsan Iqbal and Ch. Nisar seem two sane voices in PMLN but Ahsan lost all morality and Nisar cannot be seen.

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AHAQ

Jul 11, 2017 02:51pm

The court should come into action as soon as possible

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Zaman

Jul 11, 2017 02:54pm

The only option for NS is to respect and follow the findings of the JIT . He has nothing to defend. Things will get from bad to worse for him in the coming days. He has lost the moral standing to continue as the PM. If he continues , he will irreparably damage the PML. Mr. Zardari, you should be investigated next and all the looted wealth from both these corrupt individuals should be returned to the people of Pakistan and invested in education , jobs and Heath.

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Sat

Jul 11, 2017 03:01pm

If input is trash, the output will be trash. As simple as that.

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Raja Abid

Jul 11, 2017 03:02pm

JIT REMARKS & IMRAN KHAN. Wonderful article by Sanaullah Khan.IMRAN said, after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif every one will be account-able for their assests. Does our nation has enough time to Spend on Cat and Mouse Stories ? And forget about Progress, the same you did in KPK Mr. Imran Khan it a big lia with the PAKISTANI Nation. The foundation Stone of your Party is based on Corrupt People of other Parties. Would you like to see the distruction of your Whole Party through this way. Get a Life Mr. Imran Khan.

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Nazish

Jul 11, 2017 03:11pm

@Mohamed damage what damage.They don't have any self respect.

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Asad

Jul 11, 2017 03:18pm

Khan sahib you are dealing with small fish here, what about those who plunged the country into global wars on behalf of America and cost it tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and tens of thousands in terms of lives? You are certainly not sincere about tackling corruption otherwise you would have brought that up rather than attack politicians to strengthen the virtual dictatorship that exists in the country.

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Jul 11, 2017 03:19pm

It is not resigning only, all of them have to be brought to justice, return all unlawful gains and face jail if required. implement the law of the land equally for all.

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JUSTICE NARADA MUNI

Jul 11, 2017 03:19pm

@Imran Kayani : Put them all in jail. And take all there assets off them . Ban them for life from all political parties.. Unlike India where the middle class people have a strong voice and literally choose Governments, Pakistan middle class people are also YES people without balls to do anything. That includes educated Pakistanis commenting here.

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JUSTICE NARADA MUNI

Jul 11, 2017 03:21pm

The entire Sharif family must be taken to the "cleaners" as the main job they were doing was money "laundering"

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Mike

Jul 11, 2017 03:26pm

@Harmony-1© What kind of fight are you talking about brother ?

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Canman

Jul 11, 2017 03:31pm

Thhe excuse people are finding trying to blame the PML N leaders for even going to a meeting. Yes, they have a country to run but in the times of crisis ir is the norm to call a meeting. It happens everywhere around the world, this is not a new trend you are seeing. The Sharifs still have a right to defend themselves in the court and if that fails then he must resign. Not before that. Doesn't make sense.

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Salam

Jul 11, 2017 03:32pm

Sorry to say, but the situation of PML (N) in Pakistan is becoming similar to Congress party in India. It's most unfortunate for a party worker to know that his leader has done wrong, but he is unable to say this to the leader. Slowly but steadily such political parties lose public support and would shrink with time as what is happening with congress party in India.

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salman

Jul 11, 2017 03:32pm

@Umar Farooq Not me, so not the whole nation. And I suspect many others are not with him. But yes, he should continue to fight....the problem for him is that when he continues to fight, he makes matters worse for himself.

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Petrolhead

Jul 11, 2017 03:35pm

@waleed Mohajir Khan Sahab also played an instrumental role in bringing down Altaf Hussain and the militant wing of the MQM. He was the first leader to openly challenge them, he was the torch bearer, the trail blazer. Salute to Khan Sahab for founding the downfall of the Karachi based extremists. From, A Karachi born Urduspeaking

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Mohammed S Ghulam

Jul 11, 2017 03:38pm

N Sharif should have some self respect and fulfill his promise of resigning as he promised IF JIT report finds that he can not prove his wealth came from legitimate source of Income. He should take the decision before more embarrassing revelations come out. Only in Pakistan he still tries to hold on to power after so much embarrassing facts about his corruption are coming out on daily basis. His minister's accusations of JIT!!! laughing stock now.Unbelievable

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SHAHZ

Jul 11, 2017 03:38pm

@Ghaznavi one for all and all for one!

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dost mohammed

Jul 11, 2017 03:39pm

People should read the text of the report itself, available on this news site. Crystal clear findings.

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Harmony-1©

Jul 11, 2017 03:41pm

@Mike - "What kind of fight are you talking about brother ?" What "fight"? I never even mentioned the word!

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yousaf

Jul 11, 2017 03:58pm

it has become evident that these advisors and ministers are as corrupt as their leader, any self-respecting person would have distanced himself from Nawaz by now and save PML, it is obvious that as Altaf is to MQM so is PML to Nawaz and PPP to Zardari. furthermore, they will drag this on thinking that the elections will elect Maryam and hence the legacy will carry on, the president should step in and save democracy, one person is not the democracy, PTI should also start demanding answers about his operation and proof of that as well. in civilised countries, a lie is enough for one to resign regardless of any allegations or corruptions.

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Naeem

Jul 11, 2017 03:59pm

Salute to Khan Saab for bringing the corrupt to justice. Top notch leader, respect! Hope the public appreciate his efforts.

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Abbas Naqvi

Jul 11, 2017 04:03pm

Pakistan needs to produce honest,committed and clean leaders who could steer the country and the nation towards real progress and prosperity.

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Razi

Jul 11, 2017 04:03pm

I wonder that none of his so called advisers tell him to do the right thing, that is to tender his resignation.

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Jul 11, 2017 04:21pm

@waleed Mohajir its ironic you used the word corrupt whilst being a support of MQM Altaf.

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nasir khan

Jul 11, 2017 04:24pm

Unfortunately, due to the investigation by JIT, not only the Sharif's family has been exposed of their evil practices, but also the name of our country has been tarnished in the world, for having such a bad Prime Minister. We must make an effort to save the respect of our country, people come and go, but the respect of the country is more important than the Sharif's family.

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Love Your Country

Jul 11, 2017 04:28pm

@JUSTICE NARADA MUNI - ask yourself a simple question: Why did P Musharraf could not do it?

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Imran

Jul 11, 2017 04:42pm

Step Down..PM

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Hasan

Jul 11, 2017 04:50pm

@JUSTICE NARADA MUNI "Unlike India where the middle class people have a strong voice and literally choose Governments, Pakistan middle class people are also YES people without balls to do anything. That includes educated Pakistanis commenting here." And what world are you living in? After Imran Khan, the key player in getting us to the point where Pakistan is tackling corruption at its very core has been the free, unfettered media. Do you guys even know what that means? When your newspapers and TV channels take a break from their Pakistan obsession and start having frank discussions about the occupation of Kashmir, the radicalisation of your middle classes, the sanitation crisis and the multiple separatist campaigns in your beloved "Bharat", then maybe you can come back here and talk to us about courage. Until then, you've got a big task ahead of you before you can even look across the border. Hasan

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zaheer ullah

Jul 11, 2017 04:53pm

Nawaz Sharif should also be questioned if he got himself registered with the Protectorate of Manpower since he was employed in his son's company in UAE and was issued a residence permit (Iqama). We see a lot of harassment meted to people who fail to register themselves with the aforesaid authority.

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Syedpirbadshah

Jul 11, 2017 04:56pm

He is a looser and should be removed from the current position and presented before court of law with his family without wasting any time

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Abid

Jul 11, 2017 04:57pm

@waleed Mohajir Altaf Hussian will be next.

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Aisha

Jul 11, 2017 05:04pm

@ruby as if they have any money problems ... they

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Danish_E

Jul 11, 2017 05:05pm

My sympathies are with the people who are still trying to defend shreef family.....Get well soon....Hope to see courage in such people to face the reality and do away with the charms of living in fools paradise.....

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Majid Hussain

Jul 11, 2017 05:07pm

If NS resign as per his address to nation and then submit appeal in SC on July 17; it will be appreciated.Further, he should stop comments by some irrelevant persons like Talal Ch. because it is leaving negative impression and general perception is they all are liar. Face the situation with bravery; Every day is not Sunday. Silence is most effective toll in such a situation.

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ISHRAT SALIM

Jul 11, 2017 05:08pm

@MNS your comment shows that you have not read 9 volumes of JIT report, which is practically not possible in such a short time, therefore, I would refrain from contesting , however, on basis of TV talk shows representing some very renowned legal minds, the JIT report has not been prepared on hearsay basis but through collections of facts, figures and documents, and through assistance of foreign forensic experts, which the JIT knows will be challenged by the PML N and hence they are well prepared with proof in volume 10. JIT team were professionals, not just laymen.

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Qadir ali

Jul 11, 2017 05:09pm

@Abid they have been targeting altaf bhai for 4 years but still altaf's popularity is there...

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Qadir ali

Jul 11, 2017 05:11pm

@Petrolhead Not all ..Khan tried to beat him but MQM beat him in every election be it NA246,cantonment,local bodies...Even in PS 114 PTI was on last last....straight your records....PSP has been created in place of PTI

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Iftikhar

Jul 11, 2017 05:11pm

@Ghaznavi They seem to be loyal to house of Sharif's rather than the state,their actions over the last year and a half show that their moto is Sharif first instead of country first

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Yasir

Jul 11, 2017 05:15pm

He will manage! I am sure.

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babajee

Jul 11, 2017 05:16pm

@Ghaznavi Yes, with all these ministers around NS,it looks as if they are personal servants of NS. Their responsIbilities as ministers has come to zero. They are enjoying the state perks/pay but are serving as HIS personal servants.

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Shahzad

Jul 11, 2017 05:21pm

@waleed Mohajir - This is not about Imran or PTI or any other political party. This is about Pakistan and every Pakistani should thank Imran for having the courage to fight "looters of Pakistan".

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Common Sense

Jul 11, 2017 05:24pm

If Nawaz Sharif continue listen to his legal team (mostly incompetent Minister) than he will be in much bigger hole than he already in.

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Dr. Syed, Canada

Jul 11, 2017 05:58pm

Trying to save necks - but to late before the facts and with true findings spilled on table. Good work by JIT and tons of thanks for country loving personnel who made honesty to prevail.

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Ahsan gul

Jul 11, 2017 05:59pm

Why NS has to briefed by his team about JIT's decision, can he read volume himself?

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Pakman

Jul 11, 2017 06:00pm

@waleed Mohajir respect your views but you should re-consider voting blindly regardless. MQM leaders have also been found to be corrupt and violent and yet voting with baradari is does not help democracy and in nation building.

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ABE

Jul 11, 2017 06:10pm

"Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Water and Minister of Petroleum Khaqan Abbasi as well as Barrister Zafarullah and the rest of the PML-N's legal team" So, if all these dudes are focused on PML-N defence, who is going to do the job in their various ministries? They were incompetent in their jobs to begin with, now completely absent from the duties. God save the country!!

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wowz

Jul 11, 2017 06:22pm

nothing will happen

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Khalid iqbal

Jul 11, 2017 06:43pm

Corruption must be brought to end in Pakistan.we need to look in our backyard and stop the foolish spending in large Foreign tours , spending huge sums of borrowed money On orange and blue lines , when the need of the hour Is to raise electricity , fresh drinking water, education, And basic primary health care.We need to have a govt, That responds to the need of its people.

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Rajesh

Jul 11, 2017 06:47pm

@Mohamed So at present there is no damage to his reputation????

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Ahsan gul

Jul 11, 2017 06:57pm

NS as PM and his family members please read and act. I have in the past suggested you guys to admit your faults, return the loot to Pakistan and set a standard of leadership where when a leader has done something wrong he confesses. Also save your fellow politicians. Not only nation will forgive but you will set a criteria for the future for Pakistan. This is a time for you to act, stop dancing around and continue challenging PanamaGate issue. Sincerely

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nasir s.

Jul 11, 2017 07:01pm

Nawaz should be removed from office and stand a full criminal case. All his assets around the world should be frozen and confiscated by respective countries. Let him fight legal battles around the world for the rest of his life.

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Harry N

Jul 11, 2017 07:08pm

Sharifs thought that no one will talk about their corruption after they did "muk muka" with PPP under Charter of Democracy. They would never have imagined in their wildest dreams that Imran Khan will appear on the political landscape from nowhere to drag them in courts. Well done Imran Khan. IK is on the right side of history ll

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Abdul Majid CANADIAN

Jul 11, 2017 07:17pm

@Zaman How about the guys on the left and right of IK and of course IK himself. He had offshore company and he never showed it in his Income Tax returns. That is a crime similar to others.

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Farid

Jul 11, 2017 07:20pm

I am sure NS will still win the next election. Voter education is the only answer to this

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Faisal Afzal

Jul 11, 2017 07:26pm

@Mohamed They would love to resign if someone could give them a safe exit. No guarantor is coming forward and that's the only reason this whole thing is dragging. In my opinion, this is good. House of Sharif's should have the music, for once.

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Tariq, Lahore

Jul 11, 2017 07:36pm

The S Court should confiscate all ill gotten wealth and property of the of all those PML-N's ministers and NS involved in money laundering and corruption and given exemplary punishment and not just be dismissed and sent home!!

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Jul 11, 2017 07:39pm

@Ghaznavi Agree 100%. All these leaders should distance themselves from Nawaz sharif's family affair. This case is not against the PML N but Nawaz sharif and family. Stay out away and out off the sinking ship.

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Jul 11, 2017 07:46pm

@Dawn Govt of sind, i.e. PPP and MQM are responsible for the demise of Karachi. Not IK.

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Zahir

Jul 11, 2017 07:53pm

How can NS deny the existence of the huge capital, given the income taxes do not justify? Given no banking transaction existence for the transfers, given so many new pieces of evidence found & that further dismissed the claims. It is not the report NS should worry about. It is the strong evidence that lead to the report that he cannot refute.

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Imtiaz Shallwani

Jul 13, 2017 01:51am

@Dawn Imran Khan is a national leader not a local one. Think nationally not local at this time.

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