Panama case JIT is working as PML-N’s election cell, alleges Qadri

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has claimed that the Panama case Joint Investigation Team (JIT) is working as an election cell of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

Qadri was talking to reporters on his return to the country from Canada on Sunday morning.

The PAT chief also alleged the PML-N’s manifesto is being prepared by the JIT, adding that the leaked picture [of Hussain Nawaz] is also a ‘drama’ of the ‘election cell’.

“We have to bring all the opposition parties on one platform against the ‘Lahore Throne’,” he said, referring to the ruling party.

Talking about the Model Town tragedy, he said its investigation has been stalled, as they are unable to get a date for an appeal hearing.

Around 14 PAT workers were killed and 100 injured during clashes with police in Lahore’s Model Town locality in 2014.

“We will go to the Supreme Court when the lower court makes a decision,” he said further, adding that the real perpetrators of the tragedy have yet to be summoned by the court.

“We are striving hard to change the system, it’ll only happen when the downtrodden and the oppressed rise up for their rights. I will do all I can to bring the people together,” said the PAT chief.

He also dismissed the practice of ‘elections’ in the country, saying no elections are held here, “it is all a drama.”

Qadri did not comment when asked on his possible 'alliance' with Imran Khan this time around. 

In June of last year, Qadri had made calls for protest over the Model Town tragedy after returning from Canada. 

Qadri and Khan were partners in the 2014 sit-in in Islamabad against 'rigging' in the 2013 elections. However, the two later parted ways over differences on various issues. 

Panama JIT

The JIT probing the global financial dealings of the prime minister's family has recently been mired in controversy, with subjects of the investigation accusing it of being biased and indulging in character assassination. 

Recently, the JIT, headed by Federal Investigation Agency Additional Director  Wajid Zia, too informed the Supreme Court Panama case implementation bench of 'hurdles' being faced by them. 

The apex court has reiterated repeatedly that the high-profile probe team will not be given more than the 60-day time frame given to it to wrap up the investigation in light of the April 20 Supreme Court judgment in the Panama case.