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A five-judge larger bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa has been constituted by the Supreme Court to resume hearing of the Panama Papers case from January 4.
Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who took oath as the new chief justice on Saturday, will not be part of the new bench.
The Panamagate case is investigating the prime minister and his close family members over alleged investments in offshore companies.
Proceedings in the case had ended on Dec 9 when the Supreme Court said that arguments from both sides would commence afresh when hearings resume in January.
The court had to adjourn the proceedings to the first week of January because then chief justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali was about to reach superannuation on Dec 30.
Before adjourning the hearing, Justice Jamali had said that “these matters shall not be treated as part heard”, meaning that arguments from both sides would commence afresh when the proceeding resumes.
Panama leaks revelations
An investigation published April 3 by an international coalition of more than 100 media outlets ─ based on 11.5 million records and 2.6 terabytes of information drawn from the internal database of Panamaian law firm Mossack Fonseca ─ details how politicians, celebrities and other famous people use banks, law firms and offshore shell companies to hide their assets.
According to documents available on the ICIJ website, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's children Maryam, Hasan and Hussain "were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several companies".
The data leak revealed the financial wheelings and dealings of over 200 Pakistani politicians and businessmen.
Since the data leak, PM Nawaz has been under immense pressure at the hands of the opposition to ensure a transparent inquiry is held to justify the sources of funding for his children's offshore companies.
Correction: An earlier version of this story named former interior minister Rehman Malik and former chairman PPP Benazir Bhutto among the Pakistani politicians named in Panamagate. Mr Rehman Malik's office has since issued a note stating that neither he nor the late Benazir Bhutto have been named directly in the Panama Papers.
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Comments (84) Closed
Dec 31, 2016 04:20pm
Supreme court must and should uphold its integrity in Panama papers landmark case by all means. The case is crystal clear and crumbling to pressure will lead the country to anarchy.
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Dec 31, 2016 04:23pm
If supreme court can convict nawaz shareef and put him behind the bar, mind you, it will be a watershed in the history of the country. And if he gets clean chit then this country has no future. There is no doubt about it.
Pakistan is sinking in the corruption of ruling elite like nawaz shareef and zardari & co.
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Dec 31, 2016 04:20pm
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa is the most intelligent person in judiciary now. The case could go either way now!
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Dec 31, 2016 04:28pm
It's a test case for SC. It's now or never for our country. If NS & family set free then it's a defeat of 200 million people and corruption will be legitimize.
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Dec 31, 2016 04:35pm
Landmark judgment is awaited. All eyes on Supreme Court
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Dec 31, 2016 04:36pm
But why CJ himself is not a part of this bench??
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Dec 31, 2016 04:44pm
All judges of the bench are honorable & intelligent but CJ himself should be a member of this high profile case
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Dec 31, 2016 04:49pm
@SHERAZ @ SALMAN: The case is in court and please lets not try to be better judge than the judges in the bench. IK has already said that he will not accept the decision if it is not in his favor. That itself speaks how much he and his fans respect the judiciary and its decisions.
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Dec 31, 2016 04:55pm
The reason why this is such an important case is because the PM is cornered and cannot get out of this one. He either lied in court or in Assembly at the very least and so there is absolutely no way he can get away without some sort of tangible conviction against him.
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Dec 31, 2016 04:53pm
@@63392 Really it can only go one way given what's happened, that's a conviction against the PM.. However this is Pakistan so we can never be sure
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Dec 31, 2016 04:53pm
@Aafaaq if more people can be convinced about the THRUTH then Pakistan has a future
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Dec 31, 2016 05:13pm
@F Khan , hi, plz plz not IK said so what you attribute to him, its so because you say so otherwise not.
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Dec 31, 2016 05:15pm
@F Khan IK has said he will accept whatever the decision. You are misleading people.
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Dec 31, 2016 05:17pm
PM-Nawaz Sharif is already guilty, PM should have resigned after the revelation of Panama Leak corruption, unfortunately, our corruption mafia in Pakistan is more powerful. Pakistani people need verdict within a week, not in years.
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Dec 31, 2016 05:18pm
Great democracies have strong And independent institutions, trust in politicians and institutions act according to the will of the people.
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Dec 31, 2016 05:25pm
The PM has to answer the monies taken abroad to the nation it is a question of divided loyalty by the head of state. This massive amount could help the poor of the country. The SC must take into account this.
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Dec 31, 2016 05:38pm
Hope for the best , prepare for the worse
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Dec 31, 2016 05:48pm
@F Khan you said "IK has already said that he will not accept the decision if it is not in his favor"
can you tell us whe did he said this?
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Dec 31, 2016 05:51pm
Wondering what would have been the fate of IK if panama files had stayed hidden?
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Dec 31, 2016 05:56pm
That their wealth is illgotten is crystal clear and has abundance of trail and the nation at this time is looking towards the Supreme Court for nothjng less than conviction on several counts of Nawaz Sharif & his family. I'm confident Supreme Court will be just & impartial in this very difficult trial
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Dec 31, 2016 05:56pm
@SAmi CJ is not part of the bench because even before he took over as CJ, slanderous social media campaign against him was circulating by goons of a political party whose main aim is to malign every institution.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:05pm
@Frankenstein: He said so immediately following Trump, when he said the same thing.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:09pm
If PTI proves in court with solid evidence then court must deseat NS otherwise judiciary doesn't work on the whims and wishes of PTI fans.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:12pm
Wow a country's PRIME MINISTER is being investigated what a shame!!!
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Dec 31, 2016 06:14pm
Contributions by PTI activists and supporters are exactly in line with their leader IK's - My way or Highway. These people should learn to respect Honorable Supreme Court. Have they no manners, ethics or education? Seems not (shamefully)!!!
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Dec 31, 2016 06:18pm
The entire nation is looking towards honourable Supreme Court for justice in Panama Leaks. We cannot afford anymore corruption. We are on verge of bankruptcy.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:19pm
@F Khan - R u Fawwad Khan, principal Secy to PM, we understand your frustration, you just need to be honest with Pakistani Nation and be approver, but still you have to return all the money looted by you, then you can save your skin.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:25pm
CJ Nisar does not want to be part of the new bench at this time.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:27pm
@M.Saeed Panama certainly gave IK a new life line. If there was no panama IK would have been history by now!
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Dec 31, 2016 06:30pm
@Shiraz: thats the problem wth you PTI fans. You discuss people and not the issues. Mashallah, now I am PM principal secretary just because I have a opinion not in PTI favor, Go check, if IK said that he will not accept the supreme court verdict if it is not in his favour.I am sure he said it it was in the press and probably he said it few days ago in Swat.You guys just want to shut people out and that the speciality of PTI trolls.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:40pm
@M.Saeed there will always be issue for an opposition to highlight because Nawaz is a incompetent leader that's why whenever in power his government always stumbles from one crisis to the next.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:37pm
@Amin Ansari true. Once upon a time IK did say (multiple times) that he will accept the court's decision - but that was before his bigness decided to take his U turn. Lately IK has been saying OPENLY that if Supreme Court judgment is not to his liking he will be back on roads. What does that mean??? Crystal clear that this guy would accept a judgment that is to his liking - he has zero regard for justice,
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Dec 31, 2016 06:43pm
@Athar Sherwani very well put!!!
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Dec 31, 2016 06:45pm
IK wants to win it both ways.If decision not in his favor then they will say we said it that the all are corrupt and if he wins then we said that NS is corrupt. So its a win-win for them both ways.
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Dec 31, 2016 06:59pm
About time! We have to start from somewhere. Let Nawaz Shareef be the first elite in this country to pay the price for corrupt practices. We can't have two judicial systems, one for the poor and one for elites. Everyone should be equal before the court of law.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:10pm
Sami...........It is because no justice will be done.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:06pm
There is corruption all round the country, Sindh at the top. The king of corruption is back from Dubai well received by Jialas. Soon Ex KDA chairman KAKA will be back from abroad. Jialas will be there to receive him too. There is corruption in every government department from top to bottom. Why our intelligence agencies cant be employed to root out corruption at bottom level which effects day to day activities of poor citizens.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:18pm
@FAZAL KARIM: You are right. No PTI troll will speak about Mr. Zardari or PPP corruption with the same zeal.IK was sleeping from 2008-2013.Not a word about corruption, no dharnas, no press-conferences, no litigation.Suddenly he woke in 2013 after NS came to power that there is rigging when he could not get that 'churan' sellable he came up with this corruption 'manjan'.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:22pm
@Sheraz .Plz don't say case is crystal clear.Just check the list of Panama Investors,there are 200 or more persons,why you are singling out Mian Nawaz Sharif,also it is a habit ,like businessmen have habit of under/ over invoicing,the govt servants do corruptions,the high ups do mega corruptions.SC must find a way through which may correct the system as a whole,blaming Zardari or Nawaz will not suit the progress or development of our nation. A sense of ownership of the nation must evolve,patriotism must be promoted,nepotism&favoritism must be discouraged.Social welfare org come forward to aware and educate people. Good governance be make sure.Lot of work,efforts,required to correct the situation.But please don't accuse without proof,we all humans do mistake,and Zardari or Mian Nawaz Sharif are too human,just be humane collectively.We have good politicians having great influence in spheres,use them for betterment of nation and stop blaming,and let's hope they will deliver this time.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:27pm
Let's wait and see what happens?
However, the exclusion of the new Chief Justice from the five-judge bench due to conflict of interest is a good omen for all those justice seekers who want the courts in the "land of the pure" to be completely independent, totally transparent, absolutely fair, utterly equitable and fully free.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:42pm
From a foundry in Lahore, Sharif enterprise has spread from Lahore to Dubai,to Qatar, to Saudi Arabia and finally to UK. Thanks to Panama Leaks , secret is out. Without laundered money how could it be possible that family's fortunes jumped 1000 folds.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:45pm
We should fully support the new supreme court bench to uphold the law and give the right decision in the Panama Scandal where the current prime minister and his family is involved.
The potential ramifications are enormous, his decision can change the destiny of the country.
All the neutral forces in the country should give reassurance to the new bench they should work with full honesty and integrity.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:50pm
Why could n't we find a man to rule us who had no business connections. A man who came to the office with Rs 25,ooo in his bank out and went out still Rs. 25,000 in his account, a man of intellect and simple living. Alas a dream that would not come true.
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Dec 31, 2016 07:54pm
@jamal there is no shame. It should be done more often.
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Dec 31, 2016 08:03pm
This is one opportunity to try to cleanse Pakistan politics from corruption elements. The decision must be exemplary and punitive for corrupt politicians.
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Dec 31, 2016 08:04pm
@Aafaaq 100% agree with you, this has to be a landmark case and the decision (right or wrong) will define the future of Pakistan.
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Dec 31, 2016 08:08pm
If justice is done in this case, then corruption in the country shall be reduced drastically.
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Dec 31, 2016 08:25pm
Full Court bench should hear and decide this case. This is the Nation need. IK zindabad.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:00pm
Todays development about panama case is disappointing. I fear that justice will not be done.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:04pm
Everything goes as usual as before. My expectations are not very High.....!!!!
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Dec 31, 2016 09:05pm
The Panama case is an evidence of corruption and not an allegation. That should be kept in mind.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:15pm
I am scared that Pakistan's future is not bright, at least for the time being. As mentioned by me a few minutes age, corrupts would perhaps not be taken to task by the LAW and the same dishonest people/ govt will come to power in 2018 also.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:19pm
Outcome of this case will determine whether or not this nation comes out of clutches of corruption/corrupt and survive or collapse from within due to even more free hand to the corrupt. Where plea bargains like the recent ones abound, corruption wins hands down. The loser is the State and its citizens. But it cannot sustain these ballooning losses for ever.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:27pm
Pakistan's future depends on this case.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:36pm
Whatever the result of this case, one thing has become very clear at least to non political people in Pakistan. Nawaz Shareef and family is not able to justify the wealth that they have accumulated and Nawaz and family has been gifted expensive cars from unknown people. Unfortunately Nawaz has lost all respect and credibility.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:36pm
I am sure panama case would be fully investigated and justice would be done. Pakistan is on its path to progress and people of Pakistan had enough of corruption in many segments of society. Now all corrupt officials and corrupt politicians have to find some other line of work.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:38pm
@Sheraz Nation is hopeful and justice would be done for the panama issue.
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Dec 31, 2016 09:49pm
This is due to immense efforts of Imran Khan. Thanks to his struggle against corruption for over 20 years that now people hv finally realized that corruption is main root cause to majority of our problems..
Ik hv tried his best to raise voice n struggle against Corruption- whether it's Nawaz or Zardari - The Zardari corruption was also highlighted by IK...N PM Ghilani refused to write letter to Swiss authorities n he was dismissed by SC..
But this time it's diff - IK n his party has emerged as the biggest party in Pak especially after 2010 n onwards. Last elections were rigged as proven - We won't let 2018 be rigged..
Now things r diff n better - Now with IK' public pressure, SC will finally uphold Justice which will mark the beginning of the end of corrupt so called elites.
Big thanks to Imran Khan n his efforts against injustice..
Pakistan Zindabad
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Dec 31, 2016 09:53pm
@Aafaaq Yes, this is very important case. Not only Pakistani nation, but many others around the world are watching as to what would be the outcome. This may also set some kind of precedence for future. Two important aspects may be relevant, (a) How successfully documented evidence is provided to prove the case of corruption, and (b) How successfully defendants can prove their innocence against any corruption charges. Thus doing home work to 'prove' the corruption, possibly supported by documented evidence would be very important.
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Dec 31, 2016 10:11pm
very wise decision by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar. People should stop commenting and let the court decide.
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Dec 31, 2016 10:15pm
honest IK struggling for future generations pak is with you!
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Dec 31, 2016 10:51pm
We are fed up of hearing about Panama case. Let this case be closed as no use of wasting our energy for this case with foregone conclusion that PM will be saved at any cost
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Dec 31, 2016 11:02pm
Lets hope and pray , Justice Prevails
This is a history making event for Pakistan ..
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Dec 31, 2016 11:06pm
The evidence is there for the taking from the Panama treasure trove.
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Dec 31, 2016 11:14pm
The biggest most heart wrenching feeling is the news that shows the priorities of the politicians and people of Pakistan. Bickering, disunity and waste of precious time and resources. The focus should be on eliminating poverty and providing health care. May we learn to have smaller egos bigger minds and kinder hearts. Amen.
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Dec 31, 2016 11:24pm
@Aafaaq
Well said!
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Dec 31, 2016 11:25pm
Interesting comments...I can predict with 99.99percent accuracy . no one is going to jail..Look at the entire history..name one person from elite class gone to jail. We put only the common people to jail for petty crimes..Elite got the immunity...
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Dec 31, 2016 11:27pm
the country is marred by corruption in all forms the elites who have plundered the wealth of this country must be held accountable and this is the time now or never
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Dec 31, 2016 11:31pm
PTI does not need to prove anything.
The Panama treasure trove is enough evidence. The dots are there and they need to be connected, that is all.
In any case, Nawaz has failed to prove the source of funds and failed to declare his properties with the Election Commission. These 2 reasons are enough for his disqualification.
There are other evidences that can be proven that might have him arrested and thrown into jail, but this is Pakistan.
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Jan 01, 2017 12:21am
@sid when PM got himself in court they bailed out. I hope this court take into account what transpired in the last court. any contradiction should be treated as perjury
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Jan 01, 2017 12:29am
Not a very good start.
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Jan 01, 2017 01:04am
To my Pakistani Brothers and Sisters.....Like Pakistan, India was ruined by corrupt politicians for over 65 years. Then out of the blue came a politicians who works tirelessly for the development of India. We are blessed to have a visionary PM like our beloved Prime Minister Modi. During next year election people should forget about the looters like Zardari and Nawaz. May be they should give a chance to Imran Khan and see what happens. You have nothing to loose. May be things will turn around for the development of people of Pakistan. Good luck to Pakistan in the next general election.
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Jan 01, 2017 01:58am
It will not make difference, Nawaz will exonerated respectfully.
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Jan 01, 2017 01:59am
@F Khan - You are paid by public money, please don't use this forum, this is NOT Government matter, it's Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his family looted the Country's wealth and we are asking to bring him to justice and recover the money.
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Jan 01, 2017 02:50am
IK knows he cannot beat NS on ballot and if Judgement comes in favor of PM, he won't except like dhandli. NS name in not in Panama papers.
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Jan 01, 2017 04:21am
PanamaGate is real and not one man show. Several head of states either confessed or resign from their posts. Our PM, Nawaz Shreeif was named in this case not by any Pakistani but by the world.
How come our nation is still keeping quite and not out on streets of Pakistan demanding accountability?
Public who do not care about justice and let politicians determine their fate seldom succeed.
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Jan 01, 2017 04:45am
@F Khan the evidence is all there are you suggesting nawaz sharif has not changed his story or lied. He can not show where the money came from simple therefore any other verdict will be seen as a compromised one, I can not understand why people continue to support the corrupt you will gain nothing from it only lose in the long run, like the poor illiterates in rural sindh balochistan who vote for the likes of zardari for short term relief but get robbed of their rights in the long run
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Jan 01, 2017 04:46am
SC will decide this case on evidence alone. I hope IK lawyers present their case with facts not just news reports.
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Jan 01, 2017 04:50am
@Athar Sherwani one should call spade a spade. Justice s shouldn't a free pass.
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Jan 01, 2017 05:05am
@malick I dislike IK, but on panamagate I thank him. Too many Jawans died for this country, not to enrich corruption.
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Jan 01, 2017 05:06am
Imran Khan should keep up the pressure against corruption in Pakistan
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Jan 01, 2017 06:52am
Total waste of time and energies.
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Jan 01, 2017 07:44am
@@63392, With all respect, intelligence has nothing to do with serving justice.
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Jan 01, 2017 07:49am
Regardless of who the CJ is, people of Pakistan are looking for justice, if the Sharif's are proven to be guilty, than they must be punished, if they are not, than we must move on, either way, the Supreme court must be fair but firm. And the court must look into the other 199 involved in offshore accounts, its not just about the Sharif family.
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