The Supreme Court on Thursday sent notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the federal government seeking reports on action taken against 436 Pakistanis named in the Panama Papers.

The Panama Papers, a massive investigation into secretive offshore companies owned by the world’s political and business elite, sparked controversy in several countries last year. At home, their publication had led to the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

On Thursday, a two-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal, conducted a hearing on petitions filed by Jamaat-i-Islami chief Senator Sirajul Haq and Advocate Tariq Asad, which seek action against all those named in the Panama Papers. The petitions were clubbed together by the apex court today.

During the hearing, Advocate Asad told the court that indiscriminate action should be taken against those who had "engaged in corrupt practices and set up off-shore companies in Panama."

It should be pointed out here that the setting up of off-shore companies is, in itself, not a criminal act and has many legitimate uses.

However: "These companies are established for tax-evasion purposes," the lawyer alleged. "Action should be taken against those who engaged in money-laundering."

The advocate requested the court list the Interior Ministry, the government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan as respondents in the case.

"Does your case seek action against those who own assets beyond their known sources of income?" Justice Afzal asked the advocate.

"It is NAB which is responsible for undertaking investigations into assets beyond known sources of income. It is not up to the SC to determine if individuals' assets exceed their income," the judge reminded the petitioner.

"I served on the bench that heard the Panama Papers case. We will hear this case," Justice Afzal added. "Corruption is found in every state institution and steps need to be taken to against it," he added.

The hearing was adjourned indefinitely.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.