With the findings of Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in Panama case, uncertainty blanketed country’s political scenario which also started affecting routine business of various ministries and economic institutions.
According to insiders, the secretaries and subordinates, who are now being asked to move files related to development projects speedily, are hesitant to follow the direction of ministers and higher authorities apparently to save their own skin.
Though the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved 11 important projects worth Rs 234 billion on Monday, the day the JIT submitted its report to Supreme Court of Pakistan and subsequently released to parties and media, the government was willing to complete necessary work on projects as early as possible, sources claimed.
During a visit to various ministries, it was observed that government employees including officers and other staff were discussing the JIT’s findings and their implications on political environment of the country. The secretaries and other officials were not in mood to take risk of moving forward any case as asked by their bosses. It looks like JIT report has crippled public and private sector machinery across the country.
A complete uncertainty was visible at Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) where the commission’s head was trying to avoid arrest. A source at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) claims that though the JIT has not proposed any major action against the bureau for noncooperation in investigation against ruling family, the top officials were fearful of any direction for further investigation or demand of record in connection with Sharif Family and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. According to him, the recently retired FBR chairman Dr Muhammad Irshad, sensing the possible outcome of JIT and post JIT scenario had rejected an offer of another extension of three months. He had refused to continue his duty after completing term on June 30.
The absence of key ministers from their ministries, who were reportedly busy in meeting at Prime Minister Secretariat on Tuesday, also fueled rumours about decisive end following the development in Panama case.
The level of uncertainty in financial institutions under Ministry of Finance was comparatively high since the Finance Minister is in hot water after serious allegations leveled by JIT regarding tax evasion. Apart from the mess at SECP, the JIT has also claimed that FBR remained reluctant in sharing tax details of Sharif Family.
The JIT in its report says that though most of the departments and government institutions provided the record asked for, however, it was provided selectively and in parts. Despite repeated reminders, FBR remained elusive with reference to provision of complete tax return of Ishaq Dar till the time he appeared before JIT.
