–Deposed PM says ‘new secrets’ being revealed in every hearing
–Says has no sympathy for turncoats who ditched govt in its last days
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called for unveiling the identity of the 40 men who assisted the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Panama Papers case, saying that every coming day is revealing “new secrets”.
Talking to reporters outside the accountability court after seeking exemption from presence in the hearing, Nawaz referred to a statement of Wajid Zia, the star witness in the Avenfield reference case, who told the court that 40 people, including 30 investigators, assisted the JIT in its probe but he could not reveal their identities.
Nawaz said that any wrongdoings from them are yet to be identified in the case till today but on the contrary, every passing day is unveiling astonishing facts regarding the JIT.
“Wajid Zia has to tell from where these Namaloom Afraad (unidentified men) were included in JIT and what was their role in the probe body,” he said, adding that no one took notice of this ‘corruption’, yet the entire nation can now witness the injustice.
“Who were these unknown people who played their roles in the NAB case? There needs to be careful consideration of who is deciding the fate of the country, it is a painful story and should be probed,” he added.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid for life said that he has no sympathy for those who had left PML-N in the government’s last days, saying that they were all opportunists who joined the PML-N after the party came into power.
“They are now jumping ships when the elections are coming nearer,” he said.
Earlier, talking to media after arriving at the court, Nawaz Sharif expressed hope of justice from the courts in the cases against him and said that there is nothing in the references filed against his family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
He said the lie of NAB and investigations carried out by them has been revealed in front of the nation.
‘JOURNALISM’S FUTURE IS BRIGHT’:
Addressing reporters, Maryam Nawaz said the journalists, who are reporting the case, are all young and reporting the case to its spirit. She also said that everything is being reported about the case whether positive or negative and that the future of journalism is bright.
She also said that life and death are in the hands of “Allah Almighty”, adding she will continue her struggle for securing democracy in the country. She added, “Truth will prevail forever.”
Maryam Nawaz said the Almighty is much more powerful than the killer. She proudly said that she is the daughter of a brave man and will fight for the continuity of democracy till her last breath.
“We are appearing in the courts and did not flee from the country,” the former premier’s daughter said. “For those, who have left the party, there would be no bright future in politics.”
She maintained that accusations against her regarding London flats were not based on truth.
PML-N leader Tehmina Daultana reached the accountability court for the first time on Thursday and broke into tears after meeting with Maryam Nawaz. Tehmina told Maryam that God will help the Sharif family in this situation.
In Wednesday’s hearing, Zia revealed that a total 40 people probed the Panama Papers case against the generally held belief that only six members handled the investigation.
He said that the team included 30 experts and the 10 secretarial staff members – security guards, record typists and a cook.
On a question regarding the 40 people, Zia said JIT took assistance from 40 people but their particulars have not been mentioned in the JIT report, adding that the Supreme Court was requested to keep their names secret due to security concerns.
Maryam’s lawyer Amjad Pervaiz had also asked if the apex court had authorised the investigation team to keep the particulars of the extra staff members a secret through any order. Zia replied that there was no order and also stated that SC never passed any such order.