The Asian Age

Sharif vows to accept whatever verdict SC gives on Panamagate

Pakistan PM says he will accept whatever verdict SC announces in Panama Papers case

- SHAFQAT ALI

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday decided to accept whatever verdict the Supreme Court announces in the Panama Papers case — including his disqualifi­cation.

The Prime Minister chaired a crucial meeting of senior party members including ministers and advisers at the PM’s House to mull strategy after the Supreme Court concluded hearing in Panama case.

The meeting also decided to utilise all legal and constituti­onal options in case the verdict comes against the Prime Minister.

On the occasion, Mr Sharif voiced his confidence in the Supreme Court and hoped for a better verdict. The legal team of Mr Sharif family briefed the Prime Minister on the hearing.

Earlier in the day, the apex court reserved the verdict after hearing all the parties in the case on the report submitted by Joint Investigat­ion Team (JIT). T

The Supreme Court said the date to announce the verdict will be announced later.

The apex court also reviewed Volume X of final report submitted by the Joint Investigat­ion Team, which was earlier kept secret on JIT’s request.

It was fifth consecutiv­e hearing. The bench observed that it will operate strictly within the remits of the law and not trample anyone’s individual rights.

Meanwhile on Friday, minister of state for informatio­n Marriyum Aurangzeb said that not even the intelligen­ce agencies could express the likelihood of corruption on the elected Prime Minister. She expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will decide the Panama Papers case strictly in accordance with the law and constituti­on. The informatio­n minister reiterated that Prime Minister Sharif and his sons did not claim exemption available to them and instead presented themselves for accountabi­lity. “Despite a lengthy and minute investigat­ion process, there is not a shred of evidence to prove allegation­s of corruption, commission, kickbacks or misuse of power by the elected Prime Minister,” she said.

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