- Brother Shahbaz likely to be Shariff’s successor
- PML-N to file review plea
- 10 billion dollars are laundered out of Pakistan every yr: Imran Khan
- Today will pave the way for Sharif’s resounding victory in 2018, says daughter
Islamabad: The Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday disqualified Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from holding public office for life after a probe team found his wealth far above his earnings in the Panama Papers case.
The judgement was unanimous, with all judges agreeing to the verdict, reported Dawn News.
“The prime minister was additionally disqualified from holding his office. The judges ruled that the prime minister had been dishonest to parliament and the courts and could not be deemed fit for his office.”
Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, who headed the implementation bench, said all material collected by the Joint Investigation Team would be sent to an accountability court within six weeks.
He said cases should be opened against Maryam Nawaz (Sharif’s daughter), Captain Muhammad Safdar (Maryam’s husband), Hassan and Hussain Nawaz (PM Sharif’s sons) as well as Prime Minister Sharif and a judgement should be announced within 30 days.
The five-judge bench announced the much-awaited verdict in Courtroom No. 1 of the Supreme Court in Islamabad.
Shahbaz may take over from Nawaz
Nawaz Sharif s brother and Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif is likely to be next Prime Minister of Pakistan, sources said.
Mr. Shahbaz will be contesting on a National Assembly seat and then get elected, the sources said adding that there would be an interim Prme Minister for a month or so before Mr. Shahbaz gets elected.
PPP’s stand
Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said his party raised the Panama Papers issue but was in favour of resolving the issue in Parliament instead of the court.
PML-N to file review plea
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leaders have announced that the party will challenge the Supreme Court verdict and file a review petition soon.
Mr. Sharif’s legal advisor Zafarullah said the party had serious reservations about the verdict.
PML leaders said the ball is in the court of people now and this verdict will be remembered as a disputed judgment. They said the judgment has enhanced their confidence on the leadership of Mr. Sharif.
Former Law Minister Zahid Hamid said the ruling did not give any finding on Panama Papers allegations and has only sent the case for investigation to the National Accountability Bureau.
“Nawaz Sharif didn’t receive any salary from the FZE company. The disqualification, hence, is disputed,” he said.
Former Railway Minister Saad Rafique termed it a “black day.” Justice has been denied to us, he said. They would now approach “people’s court.” Mr. Sharif was being punished for bringing the CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) and conducting a nuclear test. “He [Sharif] will now be more lethal against the forces which are against democracy in Pakistan,” he said.
Former Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said it is unfortunate that in 70 years of Pakistani history no Prime Minister was allowed to complete tenure. “Prayer in the petition was about London flats and alleged corruption of Nawaz Sharif. Instead he was disqualified for not declaring 10000 dirhams which he never received.
“Independent trial is denied to the Prime Minister. Nawaz Sharif had reservations about the case from the outset but he still presented himself and his children before the JIT. This judgment will be quoted in the law schools for its uniqueness where prayer was for corruption but the punishment was for not taking 10000 dirhams. This government will go on to complete its tenure till June next year.”
10 billion dollars are laundered out of Pakistan every yr: Imran Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and main petitioner in the case Imran Khan said the court decision was a “good omen for the country.”
“This was not a personal fight between me and the Sharifs. I fought for the supremacy of law and constitution. Today, I am happy and express my gratitude to the Supreme Court and JIT. It proves that powerful can be brought to accountability. This is a win for the people of Pakistan,” he told journalists after the verdict.
He claimed that 10 billion dollars are laundered out of Pakistan every year. “Rich politicians own billions of assets abroad.”
The court judgment had given hope to the country that ”we are going in the right direction,” he said adding that “Now all corrupt will be booked who were earlier considered as untouchables.”
Mr. Khan also declared Sunday will be celebrated as “Thanksgiving day.”
Today will pave the way for Sharif’s resounding victory in 2018, says daughter
Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Mr. Sharif, came out with a series of tweets in support ofn her father:
“Another elected Prime Minister sent home, but only to see him return with greater force & support & soonest. Insha’Allah. Stay strong PMLN.(sic),” said Ms. Nawaz.
Today will pave the way for Nawaz Sharif’s resounding victory in 2018. He will be unstoppable. Insha’Allah. Rok sakte ho to rok lo ! (Stop him if you can!), read another tweet.
She called the PML(N) to stand united and stay more resolute and unfazed.
