Hussain Nawaz, the younger son of Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif, has confirmed the names of the three companies operated by the Sharif family that have been mentioned in the Panama leaks, according to reports.
While talking to media, Hussain Nawaz stated that whatever has been mentioned in the recently disclosed classified information regarding the secret possessions of world leaders in the Panama leaks is true. He added that Maryam Nawaz does not own any possession in the form of property.
Hussain admitted that two apartments were purchased in London after selling a steel factory operating in Saudi Arabia, adding that no tax is imposed on the particular apartments as is imposed on land owned by overseas Pakistanis.
He denied claims of any business partnerships in Pakistan and stated that no advantages were taken from the governments of the UK and Saudi Arabia in regards to the family’s businesses.
He challenged his critics to bring forth accurate information regarding any piece of land owned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shehbaz Sharif.
Read more: Panama Leaks put Sharifs in a tight spot
The leak, comprising 11.5 million documents from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, shows how some of the world’s most powerful people have secreted their money offshore.
Among those named are three of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s four children — daughter Maryam, who has been tipped to be his political successor and sons Hasan and Hussain — with the records showing they owned London real estate through offshore companies administered by the firm.
“Nawaz Sharif does not own any company but having companies in the name of his children also raises questions,” Umar Cheema of the Centre for Investigative Reporting in Pakistan, told media.
The centre is partnered with the Investigative Consortium of Independent Journalists, which spent months poring over the documents before Sunday’s online release.
“There are more than 200 Pakistanis which our report has identified, and they include lawyers, lawmakers and some people from the judiciary,” Cheema said.
“Our stance vindicated again as Sharif’s wealth stashed abroad exposed,” he tweeted, adding the country’s accountability watchdog, tax authorities and election commission must take action.
Read more: Prime Minister Nawaz’s family defends offshore companies after Panama Papers leak