Islamabad: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Tuesday told former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Khawaja Harris that the Panama verdict against Mr Sharif was unanimous.
The larger bench of apex court, while hearing the review petitions filed by Mr Sharif’s family, told the lawyer the decision of April 20 in which two judges ousted Mr Sharif and other three ordered to form Joint investigation Team was not challenged, which means that “it was accepted by your client.”
A five-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan conducted the hearing of the case during which, the bench said that there could be various reasons behind ousting Mr Sharif.
Khawaja Harris said that the point on which his client was sacked was not enough and that his client deserved a chance of fair trial. Khawaja Harris said that the two judges, who suggested to disqualify Nawaz Sharif, were in minority and the court accepted verdict of majority.
“If the issue will be sent to trial court, then it will return to SC after proper inquiry,” he added.
He said that the court should have asked National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to hold investigation as per law, adding the judge who announced the decision was made supervisor.
The lawyer continued that the court appreciated JIT’s verdict over which Justice Azmat Saeed said that we also cherished your stance.
Khawaja Harris said that SC had become complainant in Panamagate case while Justice Ejaz Afzal remarked that proceeding in trial court will give chance for arguments on evidence and JIT members.
Justice Ijaz said was on record that Iqama (work permit) has never been cancelled.
Khawaja Harris asked that Article 62 f (A) was applicable on not showing salary over which, Justice Azmat said that the salary deposited in the bank account is also included in the asset.
“It’s necessary to provide bank accounts details in the nomination papers,” added Khawaja Harris.
Subsequently, the court directed the lawyer to complete arguments till Thursday as the bench will not be available after Friday.
