Islamabad (Web Desk): A three member bench of the Supreme Court has resumed hearing of the Panama Papers implementation case today (Tuesday).
According to details, the special implementation bench resumed the hearing headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, the respondents who submitted their responses objecting to the mode of the investigation on Monday, will submit their argument before the court against the Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
Prime Minister's counsel and the Sharif family's lawyer, Khawaja Haris submitted his arguments in the Supreme Court.
He said the court, in its April 20 judgment, had not ordered for reopening of any case against Nawaz Sharif.
The lawyer Salman Akram Raja, represented Nawaz Sharif's children, said before the start of the hearing, he presented his arguments in court tomorrow.
Sharif family's lawyer, Khawaja Harris claimed the JIT also included 'assets beyond means' in its probe and went on to answer 15 questions instead of the original 13.
Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed asked, if the counsel believes it was not in the JIT's domain to probe additional assets.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan observed that a number of issues are related to the court's 13 questions. The justice remarked that the money trail of the London properties is a complicated saga.
Justice Ijaz observed the main issue is to probe the London money trail.
He observed further, the court will decide if the JIT’s recommendations have to be implemented.
Justice Ejaz said the JIT just gave its recommendations whereas any order will be passed by the court and the trial court will decide if including the Hudaibiya Papers Mills case in the JIT report was right or wrong.
He remarked, “Don’t want to comment on any aspect of the JIT report at this time.”
During the hearing, Justice Ijaz observed that you could have said anything in your defence but you did not. He remarked, “Facts were hidden and answers not provided to the JIT.” Someone would say they do not remember other said accountant may know, he added.
He also observed that the premier and his sons’ approach was to not say anything to the JIT.
Further he remarked, the PM and everyone else was given a chance to defend themselves, it is wrong to say otherwise.
Justice Azmat said the bench has heard and understood your arguments.
Harris said it was not the JIT’s mandate to give a verdict. Justice Azmat replied that if the JIT made recommendations after its investigation then what is so wrong with it. Further he observed, “The order of the court will be more important than the JIT’s recommendations.”
Addressing Harris, Justice Azmat observed that the respondent has not disputed any document presented in the JIT report.
Prior to the beginning of the hearing, lawyer Salman Akram Raja, representing Nawaz Sharif's children, said he will present his arguments in court tomorrow (Wednesday).
