Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s counsel has failed to submit complete documentary record on the money trail through which the ruling Sharif family had acquired flats London.
The Nawaz Sharif counsel, Salman Aslam Butt, stated.“We cannot submit records dating back to 40 years showing a liability of 36 million Dirhams and an investment of 12 million in Qatar,”
While giving his arguments Butt plead that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was presented the entire company record in 1999. However, he maintained despite the Lahore High Court’s order to return it, NAB is yet to provide the complete record.
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court hearing the petitions was not impressed with Butt’s contention and observed unavailability of record is not a valid reason.
“PM Nawaz, himself, during his speeches claimed the whole record regarding the purchase of London flats is available but now you are saying you forgot,” Justice Asif Khosa remarked. This is not a valid reason and you should explain the record before the court, he added.
The bench further told the premier’s counsel they should have not made contradictory statements on the money trail in public speeches. “This is a dangerous line of defence” Justice Khosa said. Justice Ijazul Ahsan also observed the premier never mentioned Qatari investments in his speeches.
The bench, however, upheld the premier is honourable till allegations levelled against him are proven. “The top court had maintained former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf is honourable till allegations were proven against him and the same applies to PM Nawaz. However, we will ask questions,” the bench ruled.
Independent experts believe the top court cannot give a final ruling without holding a detailed inquiry into the matter. They believe the judges are not in the mood to disqualify Premier Sharif on the basis of available evidence.
Of all the petitioners, three are in favour of a judicial commission, but the PTI and the ruling PML-N are not interested in the formation of the commission.
Another member of the Sharif family’s legal team said it was a ridiculous claim of the PTI that Sharif family owned luxury London flats prior to 2006, adding that they were well-prepared to respond to the Al Towfeek case judgment, wherein these properties were attached by a UK court.
