- PML-N submits reference with NA speaker seeking disqualification of Imran Khan and Jahangir Tareen for concealing their assets and off-shore companies
- PM Nawaz meets chiefs of allied parties, gets assurance of support in wake of opposition parties’ protests
- Imran Khan says doesn’t care about govt’s ‘blackmailing’, will continue to demand PM’s accountability
As Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with chiefs of his allied political parties in wake of the joint opposition’s threats of launching countrywide protests from August 7, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday submitted a reference to the National Assembly against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and party leader Jahangir Tareen seeking their disqualification from the House.
According to details, the reference was filed seeking disqualification of the two leaders for concealing details about off-shore companies and providing incorrect data of personal assets.
The reference was submitted to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
The speaker of the lower house of parliament said that a decision on the matter would be made after the assessment of constitution and law.
The PML-N leaders put across their point of views on the reference.
Party leader Talal Chaudhry said that Imran Khan is leading a movement to dodge accountability.
“Imran Khan showed his income to be less than Rs 0.1 million during 1981 to 1983,” said PML-N’s Mohammad Zubair.
Another party leader Daniyal Aziz said that the party took the measure in accordance with the constitution.
The move came after PTI’s action seeking the prime minister’s disqualification gained momentum. The impetus for the movement seemingly came after the Panama Papers leaks surfaced.
Leaked documents from the Mossack Fonseca law firm in Panama showed several world leaders including the premier’s three children – sons, Hassan and Hussain, and his daughter, Maryam – owning offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands.
Earlier, Dr Yasmin from PTI had filed a reference seeking Prime Minister Sharif’s disqualification from the National Assembly for concealing his assets.
On July 25, PTI had submitted a reference against the prime minister and his family members for alleged corruption and corrupt practices, in light of the Panama Papers’ revelations.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with several political leaders including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Hasil Khan Bizenjo and Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and took them into confidence over the evolving political developments in the country.
Expressing concern over the opposition’s threats of agitation, the premier reportedly sought assistance from the allied parties and considered the government’s options of scuttling the protest movements.
Sources said that the PM’s allies assured him that their parties would stand by the government in wake of the opposition’s pressure.
KHAN DENOUNCES REFERENCE:
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan termed the reference against him as “blackmailing” of the ruling PML-N, adding that the ruling party wants him to keep silent on the issue of Panama Papers.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, he said that the ruling party is identifying his alleged corruption after three years only because it fears Panama Paper’s probe.
The PTI chairman said that he would take his accountability campaign till the end in spite of PML-N’s actions. “No matter what sort of law they [rulers] pass against me, I will not retreat from this campaign until a complete accountability of those named [in Panama Papers],” Imran Khan maintained.
Imran Khan said that his party’s anti-government movement would kick off from August 7.
“Why are our rulers reminded of this only now and not during the past three years that I broke a law, resorted to corrupt practices at Shaukat Khanum Hospital or avoided paying taxes,” Imran questioned.
The PTI chairman reiterated he wanted his own accountability under the same Terms of Reference (ToRs) to be formulated for an investigative judicial commission.
“The PML-N is only afraid that their corruption and inability to reveal the source of billions of rupees for London apartment will be exposed by the probe,” Imran said.
Khan claimed that his party will come into power soon, saying he will then put all corrupt elements behind bars.
“God willing we will soon come into power and I can see that day is not too far now,” Imran Khan said.
“When I come into power, I will not blackmail or level allegations against anyone but put all corrupt elements behind bars.”
Imran Khan, however, praised Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan for showing a firm stance against terrorism at SAARC meet in Islamabad, also attended by Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh.