PM's cousin Tariq Shafi appears before Panama case JIT

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's cousin, Tariq Shafi, appeared before the Panama Papers case Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on Sunday for around three hours.  

Talking briefly to the media after the session, Shafi said he answered all the  questions posed by the JIT, which included queries related to the Gulf Steel Mills [in Dubai]. 

He said he has no idea if he will be summoned again, adding that he did not provide any documents to the JIT. 

When asked about the 'attitude' of the investigators, Shafi said it was much better [than before]. Shafi was also questioned by the JIT on May 15 for around 12 hours.

After his first appearance, Shafi alleged that he was mistreated and threatened by certain JIT members.

The premier's cousin was driven to the JIT secretariat — the Federal Judicial Academy — by State Water and Power Minister Abid Sher Ali, who is also reportedly related to the premier. 

Abid Sher Ali defends PM

Nawaz Sharif is being punished for improving Pakistan's economy and combating terrorism, claimed Ali while addressing the media outside the Federal Judicial Academy while Shafi was inside. 

He also criticised Sheikh Rasheed's possible inclusion in the PTI and his recent controversial remarks, asking the Supreme Court to take a suo motu notice.

The premier and his family have never engaged in corrupt practices, said Ali, adding that the prime minister only wants to serve Pakistan.

He also questioned why only the prime minister’s family is being targeted, saying if there is any proof that the premier’s family indulged in money laundering then it should be brought forward. 

Tariq Shafi's connection

During the hearing of the Panama Papers case, Shafi submitted two affidavits in the Supreme Court — dated Nov 12, 2016 and Jan 20, 2017 — confirming receipt of 12 million Dirhams as sale proceeds of the remaining shares of Mian Sharif's factory in Dubai — Gulf Steel Mills —and delivery of the said amount in cash in installments to Fahad Bin Jassim of Qatar (elder brother of Hamad Bin Jassim). 

This money later became the source of funds for acquisition of the four Park Lane properties in London, the Supreme Court was told earlier this year. 

The premier's cousin was reportedly questioned by the JIT on these issues on Sunday, according to sources. 

More to follow

Meanwhile, the premier's son Hasan Nawaz has been summoned by the JIT on July 3 and his elder brother, Hussain Nawaz, on July 4. Moreover, the premier's daughter, Maryam Nawaz, is scheduled to appear before the investigators on July 5.

The summons also asked the respondents to bring forth relevant documents related to the Sharif family's financial assets.

The JIT, formed on May 5 in light of the Supreme Court's April 20 judgment in the Panama Papers case, was given 60 days to complete its probe. 

However, since the original deadline was falling on a Friday, and with the JIT taking a day off on Eid, July 10 has been decided as the deadline for the JIT to submit its final report to the court's special implementation bench.