Sharif distances self from Qatar letters

Ex-PM records his statement before accountability court in Panama Papers case

Pakistan’s Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif yesterday said he had no connection with Qatari Shaikh Hamad Bin Jassim Al Thani’s letters, which were produced before the Supreme Court in Panama Papers case before the accountability court.

In Al Azizia Steel Mills corruption case filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Sharif said the letters were related to the Avenfield property and Dh12 million received from the sale of Gulf Steel Mills in 1980. His name was not mentioned on any document, nor was he part of any transaction, he added.

He said the 10 volumes of the joint investigation team (JIT) report couldn’t be presented as evidence in the trial court. The interview of his son, Hassan Nawaz, couldn’t be presented as evidence in the case either, added.

The accused submitted answers to 90 questions, which were made part of the case record. The court adjourned the hearing till Friday, when the former prime minster will continue recording his statement.