Khyber Awaz

Supreme Court Resumes Panama Leaks Case: Sharif Family Submits Replies

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday resumed the high-profile Panama Leaks case, with the hearing focusing on the replies submitted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s children—Maryam Nawaz, Hassan Nawaz, and Hussain Nawaz.

Sharif Children’s Replies

The replies submitted to the court highlighted that Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz have been living outside Pakistan for 16 and 22 years, respectively. They stated that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has no involvement in their business ventures or any connection with properties in London. The replies further emphasized that Maryam, Hassan, and Hussain Nawaz are mature and independent adults, capable of managing their own affairs.

Hassan Nawaz, in his statement, clarified that he is engaged in lawful business activities and does not own assets or companies in London. Both he and Hussain Nawaz asserted that no property was purchased between 1992 and 1993. Maryam Nawaz’s reply indicated that she was only a trustee of assets and companies and not the actual owner, with no involvement in Virgin Islands companies, labeling the allegations as baseless.

The replies also detailed financial transactions within the family. Hussain Nawaz reportedly gifted $1,914,054 to Nawaz Sharif in 2011, while Nawaz Sharif gave Rs 31,70,000 to Maryam Nawaz and Rs 19,459,440 to Hassan Nawaz.

Court Proceedings and Statements

During the hearing, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa noted that the Prime Minister has agreed to step down if the ruling goes against him. The judge clarified that the court could either give a clean chit or rule against the Prime Minister, without visiting Panama or delving into extraneous details.

The Supreme Court directed the Sharif family’s lawyer to submit all supporting documents by November 15 ahead of the next hearing. Justice Khosa also highlighted that the children’s replies did not deny ownership of offshore companies. According to the court, the replies effectively accepted the allegations in Imran Khan’s petition regarding ownership of the companies.

The judge instructed the family’s lawyer to convince the court that the transfers of money abroad were lawful, emphasizing that it is the owners’ responsibility to justify the legitimacy of funds held in offshore accounts.

Political Reactions

Outside the Supreme Court, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, emphasized the difference between public claims and judicial evidence. She stated, “In courts, it is all about evidence. In the containers, they can only hurl allegations.” Aurangzeb further noted that the Prime Minister presented himself for accountability, and what is said by politicians like Imran Khan outside the court cannot influence judicial proceedings.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ongoing Panama Leaks case continues to attract national and international attention. With document submissions scheduled and high-stakes proceedings ongoing, the future of the case will have significant implications for political accountability and transparency in Pakistan. Citizens and observers are closely watching as the Sharif family responds to allegations and prepares for further hearings.