PM consults constitutional experts on Panama Papers case

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday consulted with constitutional law experts on the Panama Papers case, petitions filed by the opposition seeking the disqualification of the premier.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court issued notices to all parties including the prime minister as it began hearing the five petitions regarding the Panama Papers which have overshadowed political landscape of the country for the last several months.

A three-member bench presided by the Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali heard the petitions including two petitions filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf calling for Sharif's disqualification. The apex court sent notices to all parties including the prime minister and adjourned hearing for two weeks.

According to the sources privy to the consultations between the prime minister and the legal experts, Sharif rejected the option of challenging the maintainability of the petitions. The constitutional experts had advised Sharif to challenge the legal maintainability of the petitions.

It was also decided in the meeting to show Maryam Nawaz's tax returns to the court as evidence to prove her financial independence.

According to the sources, the prime minister expressed his satisfaction that the Panama issue was taken to the courts, which he said would conclude in the revelation of the truth.

In a statement, the prime minister has welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court over the Panama Papers, adding that he has faith in the Constitution.

Earlier today, the apex court heard several petitions, including by PTI chief Imran Khan, who accused Sharif and his family members of illegally transferring money abroad after the 'Panama Papers' leaks showed his family possesses properties in the United Kingdom.

In addition to Sharif, the court also issued notices his daughter Maryam, sons Hasan and Hussain, son-in-law Muhammad Safdar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Director General Federal Investigation Agency, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, and the Attorney-General.