Despite JIT charge sheet, voters undeterred in PM’s constituency

LAHORE: Despite the fact that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), probing Panama Leaks, has concluded that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family not only concealed assets from tax authorities but also committed perjury by submitting fake documents to conceal information, majority of the voters in PM’s home constituency NA-120 still pose confidence in him, a survey conducted by Pakistan Today revealed on Friday.

The Panama Leaks case stems from documents leaked from the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm which revealed PM Nawaz’s daughter Maryam Nawaz and two sons—Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz—owned offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands, and used them to buy properties in London. The leaks were published in April last year.

The JIT submitted its findings and declared that Nawaz Sharif remained chairman of FZE Capital Company in Dubai. This was contrary to his statement in the Parliament, where he said he was not part of any business since 1998. The JIT also declared that his children submitted forged documents and lied to the investigators.

The Supreme Court is likely to take up the JIT report on Monday. Two judges of the Supreme Court have already declared the prime minister as not being truthful. If three judges agree on the findings of the JIT, Nawaz Sharif could face possible disqualification. Almost all opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), have asked the prime minister to resign. However, Nawaz Sharif, while chairing a cabinet meeting in Islamabad, said he would not tender resignation on the “demand of a group of conspirators”. PML-N voters in his constituency are toeing his line and do not want him to resign.

“I will vote for Nawaz Sharif even if he is declared big thief by the JIT. He is our leader and will always remain so. Nawaz Sharif is the only leader in the country who can pull the country out of crises. We all are supporters of the lion,” Muhammad Aslam, 60, a shopkeeper at Old Anarkali, told Pakistan Today.

“An international conspiracy is being hatched against Nawaz Sharif, and PTI Chairman Imran Khan is a part of it. Panama is nothing but a conspiracy. We will continue supporting Nawaz Sharif,” Danyal Butt, 40, told Pakistan Today, adding he was unable to understand allegations levelled against the prime minister by the JIT.

Moazam Butt, 35, also made similar comments, saying: “Nawaz Sharif made Pakistan a nuclear power, and also began the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The country was on the verge of bankruptcy when PM Nawaz came into power. He is being penalised for his good work. He has done a great job for the country. We do not want him to resign,” said Talha, 25, a student of commerce.

Meanwhile, some banners, in support of the prime minister, have also surfaced in his home constituency.

The banners read, Nawaz Sharif qadam barhao hum tumharay saath hain (Carry on Nawaz Sharif, we are with you).

On the other hand, PTI loyalists criticised Nawaz Sharif and his supporters alike. “They have lost their minds. There is no water, sanitation and infrastructure in the NA-120. If his supporters use their mind, they would never support Nawaz Sharif because he lost the moral authority to rule, and should step down forthwith,” said PTI supporter Akram.