Pak National Assembly rejects bill moved by opposition to inquire into Panama case

Islamabad: Pakistan's National Assembly has rejected the Panama Papers Inquiries Bill 2016 by a majority vote, six months it was passed by the Senate.

Treasury benches opposed the passage of the bill moved by the Pakistan People's Party-Parliamentarians (PPPP).

The Panama Papers Inquiries Bill 2016 was moved by PPPP lawmaker Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho. The bill is aimed at constituting a commission to inquire the revelations made in the Panama Papers, reports the Express Tribune.

Defending his party's stance, Minister for Law Zahid Hamid said, "The bill, formulated by the opposition, is discriminatory in nature and is designed against the prime minister."

Hamid said the Supreme Court had already given its decision over the issue.

He said the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2016, passed by both the houses, will look into the investigation of other persons named in the Panama Papers.