Pakistan SC: Single-member commission to probe Panama leaks

A five-member bench hearing five identical petitions against Sharif and his family for having illegal assets abroad had directed them on Monday to submit written response. The bench on Thursday said a single-member commission will be formed to probe revelations made in the Panama Papers after reviewing all replies. 

A final decision on it will be made on Monday after the court reviews the Terms of Reference and responses submitted by the premier’s children. Sharif’s counsel Salman Ahmed Butt submitted the premier’s response in court along with that of his sonin-law Muhammad Safdar. But his daughter Maryam and son Hussain and Hasan failed to comply. The Prime Minister denied holding any offshore companies and maintained that he is a regular taxpayer. He said that he had declared all his assets in 2013, so he was not liable for disqualification under the Constitution. He contended that none of his children was dependent on him. 

When asked why they have not responded, Sharif’s counsel said Maryam, Hussain and Hasan were out of the country. The bench then expressed its displeasure and asked for submission of responses by Monday so the case can proceed. The petitions have been filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan and others.