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The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed hearing the Panamagate case calling for disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's counsel Hamid Khan started provision of evidence by bringing forth the Panama Papers, saying that April 3 leaks first brought the matter to light as it mentioned PM Nawaz and his family members.
Khan added that the PM had given three speeches regarding the Panama Papers. He read out two of these speeches in court today.
The first speech, dated April 5, was delivered by PM Nawaz Sharif in the National Assembly, and dismissed the allegations levelled against him in the Panama leaks.
A speech also divulged the details of the PM's assets and explained how he had acquired them, starting with the Bhutto era to the Musharraf era.
The speech also alleged that the PPP preventing the Sharif family's factories from running.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Anwar Zaheer Jamali, who was heading the bench, raised a question about the ownership and value of the flats being discussed in the case.
Jamali asked how PM Nawaz, Shahbaz Sharif and Hussain Nawaz could prove ownership of these flats.
British Virgin Islands-based firms Nielsen Enterprises Limited and Nescoll Limited, incorporated in 1994, were not the owners of the flats based in London's Mayfair area in 1999, Justice Azeem Saeed remarked, adding that evidence regarding the matter needs to be brought to court.
The PM's counsel said it appeared as though the case is targeting one person in particular, not corruption in general.
As the current request is against the prime minister, Justice Jamali said there is nothing wrong with starting accountability from one person.
He added that the process of accountability could start with one person and then move onto other people.
Petitioner Advocate Tariq Asad, wished to submit a new request in court today.
CJP Jamali replied saying that six to seven requests are submitted in court everyday. "The case will never end if we keep accepting requests," he said. "The requests are sidetracking us from the main case."
Asad, in response, said he had been the first to file a request in April.
The chief justice replied saying, "You had requested that this case be taken to National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency."
Justice Azmat commented saying, "According to my understanding, NAB and FIA have not submitted any reports."
Council for Jamaat-i-Islami Asad Manzoor Butt said, "NAB and FIA are not doing their job and being complacent."
The CJP replied that are NAB and FIA are there to take salaries, but when it comes to work they make the excuse that the case does not fall into their jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned to Nov 30.
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Comments (80) Closed
Nov 17, 2016 02:41pm
PML-N's delaying tactics continues. The nation is looking towards honourable Supreme Court for justice.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:45pm
Idea that the hearing of this case will bear any results is dismal.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:48pm
I knew it before nothing is going to happen. Things are crystal clear and still proofs are needed. You can just watch the interviews of family members and decide.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:49pm
It is very hard to win case against PM who is in power never happen in Pakistan before ..
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Nov 17, 2016 02:49pm
I hope that the SC for once does not disappoint the people of Pakistan and the rule of law prevails.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:51pm
The PM's lawyer complains the case is targeting one person. Generally that's what law cases do.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:52pm
This case needs a huge courage from the honorable judges to call spade a spade and we as a Nation waiting for this moment.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:52pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Where did you read in above report that court adjourned hearing on PML-N's request??
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Nov 17, 2016 02:52pm
Nawaz Shareef, You are in big big trouble man....
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Nov 17, 2016 02:56pm
........and the excuses continue. All eyes on Supreme Court now. Let's see what happens on Nov 30th.
Hope the results would be in favor of Pakistan!
Pakistan Zindabad!
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Nov 17, 2016 02:57pm
Mr. CJ - we look upto you to impact justice in the case. Such justice should keep the justice system honored and this would have a very long lasting impact on the present and the future generations. Long live Pakistan - and all anti-forces be culled once and forever.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:59pm
All is set to be dusted away with delaying tactics of players in the court
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Nov 17, 2016 03:01pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Its not PMN delaying tactics, ITS PTI who has been asked to provide evidences till required date for which Imran is going UK.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:00pm
@Concerned - The French were ready to surrender as well, when Hitler was at the gates of Paris - until allied rescued them on D-Day! If you give up, and throw in the towel, because you are hopeless, than you yourself are to be blamed for the sorry state of affairs in the country! Unless one tries, one will never know if he will succeed or fail. But without even trying to change the status-quo, you've already failed.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:02pm
What kind of hearing we had today at SC. Plain and bland with the next hearing pushed to almost two weeks away even. PTI has a clear case but doesn't know what evidence to provide. Their lawyer Hamid, in previous hearing didn't know what ICIJ was and someone from his team told him about it. It seems a clear case but yet PTI is messing up. Such a shame.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:07pm
What did the court say about Prince of Qatar's letter attempting to rescue NS?
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Nov 17, 2016 03:16pm
Delaying tactics by Sharifs will eventually prolong the hearing to no end. Justice delayed is justice denied.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:22pm
It is test of the 'will', or whatever is left of it, of the whole nation; those who are engaged and, more importantly, those who as spectators are shouting from the side lines. All will sink of swim together and that depends how everybody contributes here.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:22pm
Nothing will happen. This is Pakistan.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:26pm
Nation is waiting for justice and justice requires proves not whims , currently what we have seen nothing is presented to the courts. All those who think that courts can make decisions on the basis of TV interviews and Talk shows, would mean every leader in this nation should be in Jail too (infect all of us). Rule of law requires evidence and only upon those evidences one can be condemned to punishment. However, it seems most of fellas here want someone to be punished because they "think" that someone is criminal. Unfortunately thats why rule of law is necessary not a jungle. If we have bolstered the institutions , we should not have to rely on courts giving decisions over newspaper clips but none of us wants a stronger institution.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:31pm
@Usman Bashir - Some will keep protecting the guilty even when it’s clear as day light that there was corruption.
Contradictory statements of family and honorable ministers’ claims that the flats were owned years ago (when children were minors) is enough evidence.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:34pm
To me it sounds like the judges seriously question the assest of Sharifs and that itself show the seriousness of the matter to them. Hope he gets searched properly and I am hopefull this time.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:46pm
Remember IK what I predicted earlier you are trapped again by NS. They will use procrastination tactics to take time. Here we go.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:48pm
@Usman Bashir when an MNA, PM step in the parliament, he/she is under oath. What is pronounced at that stage is a statement under oath. That is not media talk.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:49pm
In German courts of law such important cases like this PM Nawaz's Panama case, are dealt with on an urgent basis before dealing with any other case.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:50pm
PML N has once again Delayed Justice and take and date .This case is of national importance it should have been heard on daily basis .
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Nov 17, 2016 03:52pm
@Najaf
SC should have heard the case on daily basis .Its the PM on whom the allegation is .The case of of corruption !!!
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Nov 17, 2016 03:55pm
Everyone knows that most of politician make money after coming into power. Its not secret. But still we as a nations been fooled in believing his innocence. We need to chose our leaders wisely otherwise they will keep looting us...
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Nov 17, 2016 04:07pm
It is very troubling to see Nab and FIA showing total disinterest in this crucial investigation. What are these agencies for? Are they there to collect fat cheques from from their benefactor - the government - or are they there to act in public interest. PTI and other groups have provided enough prima facie evidence to suggest that some wrong doing has happened. It's not their job to conduct fully fledged investigation. It is the job of law enforcement agencies to get to the bottom of this case and separate facts from fiction and provide SC with irrefutable evidence.
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Nov 17, 2016 04:08pm
@Harmony-1© It's an affidavit and it will be tested. If I am correct, the court commented as it's a "hearsay". So you can assess their views on this mega evidence. I feel the NS camp is in disarray, but the PTI team is also not objectively focusing. This shows that PTI is ready to give them a route to escape provided NS fulfill some undercover demands.
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Nov 17, 2016 04:12pm
No leader in chair can be sent to jail, in Pakistan. Period.
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Nov 17, 2016 04:13pm
@Sami Ullah Swati NO, I am not, because I feel IK/ PTI legal team is very weak. They had enough time to collect evidence of money trail, which today the court has questioned. I can bet, they will fail on this & that`s it. And, the people of Pakistan will once again feel let down by their politicians.
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Nov 17, 2016 04:15pm
After hearing PM & children's speeches ... people of Pakistan are very much clear about there honesty .... :(
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Nov 17, 2016 04:17pm
@Shahid You can interpret any statement with your own preference. NS had stated that flats were acquired from the sales of businesses in Dubai & Jeddah. Flats were owned by Qatari Prince through offshore companies. These were acquired by Hussain Nawaz in 2005/6. PTI may not agree with this but then they have to provide evidence that in fact were owned by NS in 1990's. That is the crux of the matter. Any wishful thinking by anyone otherwise is day dreaming. Judges pronounce on evidence not on hearsay. Qatari Prince will similarly have to provide documents to prove his ownership of offshore companies during the period under dispute. In the meantime, relax and let justice prevail.
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Nov 17, 2016 04:20pm
@Javed mr .... PTI haven't wasted 7 months on TORs .... it looks like you are still not satisfied with loot & plunder in billions of our rulers ... these corrupt thugs
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Nov 17, 2016 04:35pm
PTI performance so poor in the court
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Nov 17, 2016 04:41pm
Not feeling optimistic . Gravity of this case is immense for any patriotic Pakistani, who believes that corruption is real and a huge issue for Pakistan.
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Nov 17, 2016 04:51pm
Why court never continue this case on daily basis and take these people to task
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Nov 17, 2016 05:00pm
@iffi
what about amount of time wasted by PTI? and their stand on other issues? i was supporting them till the time shaikh sb joined them. Trust me, they are wasting their time.
They need technical help from PPP but on the other hand they too are involved in these matters.
Trust or think around, it seems at the end of day only Imran will be guilty because they are fighting alone. They should form alliances but they are making enemies always.
see in today case they didnt attended the Parliament when all CM, Governors, parties, Army chief, and others were part of this meeting
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Nov 17, 2016 05:00pm
Following 6 steps if taken could settle this issue.
1 Qatari letter . From UK tax authorites one should be able to obtain if rent(paid by Sharifs) was declared by companies.
2. UK land registry records should show from 1993 who owns it and how many times mortage was obtain by whom in what capacity on the properties.
3. British Virgin Island records will show who was the beneficial owner since 9/11
4. Trust deed should be foresenic tested for paper & ink
5. As it seems none of the Sharif family declared the foreign assets in their tax returns the assets must be considered as aquired by illegal means. Not forgetting the London court case.
6.PM NS must expain why his speeches differ.
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Nov 17, 2016 05:02pm
PM name is not in the panama papers it is his adult children , all the petioners after submitting their that proves nothing about any money trail from Pakistan. Now they are expecting the court to disqualify the PM as he did not mention the Qatari family before. Although PM mentioned in his speech that money came from selling the steel mills in Jeddah and gulf.
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Nov 17, 2016 05:13pm
@Athar Sherwani Where did you read my 'interpretation'?
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Nov 17, 2016 05:27pm
It seems that SC is serious in finishing the case as soon as possible. This will be in the interest of the country. No more extension be given.
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Nov 17, 2016 05:32pm
@Yousuf
I have saw your response yesterday as well, its interesting that you keep defending a crooked PM. The man is guilty and the case is black and white, the only question is- does the SC have the courage to find him guilty? but if they don't corruption will never end in our country.
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Nov 17, 2016 05:34pm
@Shahid It appeared from your comments that NS was misleading in his statement to the house. My apologies.
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Nov 17, 2016 05:42pm
@javed malik 110% agreed with you brother...
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Nov 17, 2016 05:44pm
@Missy elliot Why don't one courage to find IK guilty blaming others without any concrete evidences and expecting lifting of umpire finger on each delivery.
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Nov 17, 2016 05:49pm
Lawyer is saying; "The PM's counsel said it appeared as though the case is targeting one person in particular, not corruption in general."
That is what is done on courts. A killer cannot get away say there are many unsolved cases way don't you solve them before sending me to jail!!!
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Nov 17, 2016 05:52pm
@Athar Sherwani I appreciate. Now let me elaborate what went unsaid. Oath is a burden of great responsibility. Those who are fortunate to avail this opportunity must exhibit the most upright and examplary code of conduct though their actions, speech and behavior. That is all I was pointing out. Unfortunately in unduely and unnecessarily charged environment, the fundamentals are being sacrificed for perceived selfish gains on all sides. Without sense of responsibility all loose, without exception.
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Nov 17, 2016 06:04pm
This is Pakistan. Justice/accountabilty limited to poor only.
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Nov 17, 2016 06:14pm
Incompetent !!! Nawaz Sharif has no moral ground to stick on PM seat. He must resign.
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Nov 17, 2016 06:43pm
@Athar Sherwani As the properties are owned by off shore companies bearer share certificates there is no proof who owned it at what time BVI only started to keep beneficial owners record after 9/11.
Money trail and any tax records of tax paid on rental income mortgage/ remortgage agreements seems to be only way to get to the truth.These documents can only be obtain by NAB or FIB under international money laundering agreements
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Nov 17, 2016 06:50pm
I believe Qatari Prince and his letter was very helpful and effective in saving Nawaz Sharif from the brink.
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Nov 17, 2016 07:33pm
There is a perception in Pak media that the PTI legal team's performance in the Supreme court is not up to the mark particularly the performance of lead lawyer Hamid Khan. I hope Imran Khan takes notice of this and adopts necessary steps to strengthen the legal team so that the case is contested properly otherwise I am afraid PTI will not be able to achieve its objective against corruption.
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Nov 17, 2016 07:49pm
I do not understand that why property ownership details cannot be obtained officially. Nation has wasted so much time.
In developed countries including UK land department have complete record of property ownership and transfers.Imran Khan who has lived in UK and all these lawyers who have studied in UK should know about. People like Ch Sarwar or Lord Nazir should be able to get this information also.
I think these three documents are required: Copies of Title Deeds, Ownership history report from Land department (including previous owners), land transfer fee receipts that you pay when you buy a property.
Here is a website for UK government
https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-property-and-land
If Sharif family has not done anything wrong they can get these document in matter of days
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Nov 17, 2016 07:51pm
Give up Mr khan, nothing is going to happen.
I will be cursing throughout my life at Nazwaz, Zardari & their supporters because of
these corrupts we left our country, our kids are not Pakistani anymore, we
have lost our identity.
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Nov 17, 2016 07:57pm
@MISSY ELLIO the man is neither guilty yet nor case is black and white, you need to wait for the judgment, all the allegations of pti seemed real to you because if you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. .. but facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes.
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Nov 17, 2016 07:59pm
@Z Khan Excellent analysis.
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Nov 17, 2016 08:10pm
Pmln has so far been successful in delaying the case. They have nothing to prove the legality of the money used so they are delaying it, otherwise this could hv been simple answer.
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Nov 17, 2016 08:22pm
@Ali It's of course a sorry state of affairs ...and I can feel the pain deep inside, what you are saying is very painful. But please don't get disappointed ...have faith and trust ...things are going to take a positive turn InshaAllah. In fact things will have to change for the survival of this country. The sacrifices of the people suffering abroad and inside Pakistan will not go waste.
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Nov 17, 2016 08:41pm
@PAKISTANI The properties were bought by companies registered in BVI. record will show property were bought by company A in 1993 etc. Subsequently ownership changed by ownership of shares of the company that happens to be bearer shares hence no record as there is no share register
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Nov 17, 2016 08:48pm
So many challenges are ahead of Pakistan.These must be resolved on priority.Yes Panama leaks should also not be subject to red tape. DELAYING JUSTICE IS DENYING JUSTICE. Supreme Court must note
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Nov 17, 2016 08:49pm
Wasn't it supposed to be a day to day hearing? Justice delayed?
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Nov 17, 2016 09:00pm
How much time is required or just pushing under the carpet??? Even TV Interviews by Sharif family and analysis on Power Play is enough to convict.
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Nov 17, 2016 09:05pm
Why FIA has Jurisdiction problems and NAB is sleeping? Can these orgs be cleansed?
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Nov 17, 2016 09:50pm
@Sami Ullah Swati Hopefully, this time the burden of proof/evidence is assigned to government agencies or judicial commission rather than an opposition party, which have to strangle with the Govt machinery to produce the proof!
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Nov 17, 2016 10:07pm
@Sultan alvi, toronto, canada the court stated that the letter shows that it is just heresay How do you conclude it has saved the PM and family?? Also it is in total contradiction to what has been stated up to now by the BAD sha family
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Nov 17, 2016 10:16pm
@Z Khan Thanks for the clarification. So, from land transfer perspective last transation was 1993. Only the holding companies have changed since then.
Still the buyer (current owner) should have documentation for transfer of company ownership...showing the previous owner and signatories...
Court can ask about that..
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Nov 17, 2016 10:53pm
I think PTI protecting PMLN. Everyone knows who's wrong, NS family video statements are telling more than court wants to hear.
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Nov 17, 2016 11:17pm
Honorable Chief Justice, everyone including justices know that all this wealth and properties had/have been purchased through corruption money, it is clearly evident from family statements, and if decision is contrary to public opinions, I am sure this will also set that SC is in favor of Sharifs and against PPP, we just saw a PM out by this SC on a very minor issue.
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Nov 17, 2016 11:32pm
I don't believe anything decisive will happen as they keep asking petitioners to submit evidence despite video statements of all persons under trial available, which itself proves sufficient evidence in view of the amended laws of Pakistan. Further, they are ignoring the conflict of statements and now another letter by Qatar family and this family already submitted a letter to save NS in helicopter case in 2009.
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Nov 17, 2016 11:52pm
I think SC did not think this case will open so many dimensions. Many people including renowned lawyers of our country believe this case should have been handled in the parliament.
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Nov 18, 2016 12:16am
They definitely need a well-deserved rest.
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Nov 18, 2016 01:38am
SC adjourns Panamagate case until Nov 30... of what year?
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Nov 18, 2016 01:48am
PTI is unable and almost failed to present their case in front of judiciary.
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Nov 18, 2016 01:49am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan It is not the court, rather PTI who is unable to present their case effectively
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Nov 18, 2016 02:47am
Accountability starts from the leader. As the counsel said that this case is just focusing on one person which is unfair, but I think that one person is our PM and If he and his family are not truthful then how can we eliminate corruption down the line. I applaud the Jamalis reply that accountability starts from one person and this person is PM. I really hope that Nawaz is charged for corruption. Also, evidence against other political parties should also be gathered simultaneously because we know that PPP is not innocent either. Don't give them time to shuffle evidence.
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Nov 18, 2016 04:27am
Dear Imran khan.....do not think panama leak is open and shut case....change or add Baber Awan and Aitizaz Ahsan in your team for more representation.....other wise it will be very hard for you to get results needed for Pakistan....please reconsider and act fast....SC has given time to PTI to act and not to sleep...
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Nov 18, 2016 08:42am
Judges have to read all the papers, this decision will make history, so the judges need sometimes.
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Nov 18, 2016 08:55am
I think SC was not expecting this. The lawyers from both side are bound to fight tooth and nail. Its not going to be easy.
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