Panamagate hearing: SC gives ultimatum to Nawaz Sharif's children

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a written response to the Supreme Court on Panamagate petitions has denied holding offshore companies.

Sharif in his reply said he had declares all his assets in 2013, hence he was not liable for disqualification under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, reports the Express Tribune.

The five-member larger bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali expressed displeasure over the failure of Sharif family's counsel to submit a reply on behalf of Maryam, Hussain and Hassan and gave an ultimatum to the Prime Minister's three children to respond to the notices served regarding the investigation of Panama Leaks.

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed that by law, if an individual fails to submit a reply in any matter, it is to be considered that he or she is accepting the allegations.

The Counsel has been asked by the court to submit its responses by Monday.

PTI chief Imran Khan angered by the delay in the case, said, "Government is using delaying tactics in SC. Despite being given two weeks plus to file reply, Sharif lawyer failed to file Sharif kids' replies."

The Supreme Court had asked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to submit their Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the formation of a commission to probe the Panama Papers leaks.

The chief justice said that the commission will report to the apex court saying that the commission will have the same authority as the top court.

While asking both parties to 'show restraint', Chief Justice of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali said, "SC has decided to resolve the issue of Panama leaks.