Panama Leaks case: Judges question PM's speech in the parliament

ISLAMABAD: A five-member bench led by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa resumed hearing the Panama Leaks case hearing on Monday.

PM’s counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan during his arguments referred to past rulings of the Supreme Court. He discussed at length the disqualification of former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The bench raised questions over the Prime Minister’s speech in the parliament. In his remarks Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said that first the prime minister had said he had not misrepresented information. “Now he is arguing that even if he misrepresented information, he has immunity.”

“Can this immunity be withdrawn?” Justice Asif Saeed Khosa asked.

The PM’s counsel answered that the parliament can withdraw the immunity. He added that the court will have to look at the speech in accordance with the law, and then give a verdict.

Justice Azmat Saeed said that the article 62 is also part of the constitution. “Does it not apply on the Prime Minister if he misrepresented information?”

Counsel for Jamat-e-Islami (JI) asked copies of all the court rulings. The JI also submitted a petition against the Prime Minister where the National Assembly speaker, cabinet and federation have been made party.

The hearing has been adjourned till January 17 (Tuesday).

During the proceedings, the PTI leadership was seen dozing off in the courtroom, which was warmer when compared to the biting cold outside. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s counsel Naeem Bukhari slept throughout the hearing, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Shireen Mazari were dozing on and off, while PTI chief Imran Khan looked visibly tired, according to a Geo News correspondent.

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PML-N has taken a U-turn: Imran

Speaking outside the Supreme Court after the hearing, PTI chief Imran Khan said that in the parliament the Prime Minister had said that he will not opt for immunity but stand accountable. "The PML-N has taken the biggest U-turn of history," he said.

He said that the Prime Minister had "bluffed" the nation. "He had no idea he will taken to the Supreme Court."

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PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the evidence the Prime Minister's counsel is presenting has no link to the case. "He is simply trying to say that the SC should stop hearing the Panama Leaks case."  

PML-N leader Daniyal Aziz explained that the PM's counsel referred to cases for article 62 and 63 during the proceedings. "Even PTI accepts that the prime minister has not been named in the Panama Leaks."

He added that after Makhdoom Ali Khan presents his argument, a lawyer for the prime minister's daughter Maryam Nawaz will present evidence.