NEWS DESK: The Panama Papers case verdict is naturally the talk of the town. The verdict, which is expected to decide whether the PM will stay in office or not, is going to be out in a few hours. While the case spanned over nine months beginning from 20 October 2016, we have jot down some important developments you need to know about the case proceedings:
1. Verdict out soon
The verdict will be announced by the five-member bench by 11:30am. Two judges of the bench, Justice Asif Khosa and Justice Gulzar Ahmed, have declared Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif unfit for office. The remaining three will announce their decision in light of the JIT report today. Justice Khosa will head the bench. The verdict had been reserved on July 21.
2. Possible verdicts?
What are the possible verdicts that the Supreme Court could give in the Panama Papers case?
- PM Nawaz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and MNA Captain Safdar will be disqualified while NAB references and criminal case will be initiated against the Sharif family.
- NAB reference will be filed against the PM, and until its verdict, Nawaz will be ordered to distance himself from office.
- PM Nawaz will be given clean chit while NAB references and criminal offences will be initiated against the others.
3. Game over: Imran Khan
If there is one person who would be the happiest about the PM’s disqualification, it is without any doubt Imran Khan. The PTI chairperson said that the game is over for the rulers in the Panama Papers case.
4. Chaudhry Nisar is out
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar broke his silence on Thursday and announced that irrespective of the decision in the Panama Papers case, he will resign from the National Assembly. He advised the PM to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court, whatever it may be. Meanwhile, the PM directed PML-N leaders not to react to Chaudhry Nisar’s press conference.
Security stepped up
Security measures have been tightened in the Red Zone while high alert has been issued for all the main roads of the capital. Police and Rangers personnel have been deployed on all the entry points.
Meanwhile, political leaders and journalists who do not have special entry permits on them will not be allowed to enter the court premises for the hearing. Special security measures are in place inside and outside the courtroom.
