A new five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court has decided on Wednesday (Today) to conduct the hearings of Panama Papers case on a daily basis.
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa is heading the five-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal, Justice Gulzar Ahmad, Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
During the case proceeding, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa remarked that there won’t be any delay in Panama case and nothing will go unheard.
Starting his arguments, PTI’s lawyer Naeem Bokhari said the Sharif family did their business anonymously in Dubai.
Giving detail of the business, he said 10 percent profit of Sharif family’s Dubai factory was to be given to the Dubai government. In 1947, an agreement was made to get land for the factory on lease. In 1978, 75% shares were sold to pay dues. Twenty one million dirham were paid to BCCI bank.
Bukhari appealed the court to disqualify the PM for concealing his assets and evading tax in Pakistan. The bench, however, observed that all decision will be taken on the basis of facts.
Bukhari also said they have no objection to the present bench.
Addressing the PTI counsel, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan said what’s the legal status of Panama Papers? Most of your arguments are based on Prime Minister’s speech. Have you any document bearing signatures of the PM? Bukhari replied in negative.
Justice Azmat Saeed said if there is no objection to the bench then avoid giving statements through media.
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said a new bench on Panama Papers has been constituted and it would examine all papers.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sharif family members changed their legal team.
Makhdoom Ali Khan has been selected as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer whereas Salman Akram is counsel for Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz.
Shahid Hamid is now representing Maryam Nawaz and Captain (r) Safdar in the case.
On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submitted additional evidence in the apex court. It has been mentioned in the documents that according to investigation agency of British Virgin Islands, exchange of emails between Mossack Fonseca and Minerva Services, it was proved that Maryam Nawaz was the beneficial owner of offshore companies and the trust deed between Maryam Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz was fake.
