Imran Khan has ‘no moral authority’ to do politics: Pervez Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervez Rashid on Saturday severely criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, saying that the PTI chief has no ‘moral authority’ to do politics following his admission of owing an offshore company.

The senator called Imran Khan the ‘pioneer’ of offshore companies. Six offshore companies belong to PTI members, he added.

The phrase was earlier used by Maryam Nawaz on Twitter as well. “The pioneer of offshore companies…The trailblazer award goes to Mr Khan,” she had written. 

The 'PIONEER' of offshore companies ..... The TRAILBLAZER award goes to Mr. Khan. #Hypocrisy pic.twitter.com/PG2M5O5oAT

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 13, 2016

Referring to Imran Khan’s earlier statement that offshore companies are solely made for the purpose of tax-evasion, Rashid said that according to the PTI chief’s formula, those six people belonging to the PTI also evade taxes.

Commenting on Panama Papers revelations, the federal information minister said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit the National Assembly on Monday and brief the house.

‘Open for accountability’

PTI leader Naeem-ul-Haq was quick to react to Rashid’s the press conference. He said the PTI and its leadership are open for accountability.

Haq said it was the responsibility of those in power to investigate and act against wrongdoers, adding that if the government considers them the violators then it should take necessary action.

“Imran Khan does not have a permanent source of income and he is still utilising the money he earned through cricket,” he said.

Responding on Imran’s flat in London, Haq said the PTI chief did not conduct any business through the offshore company and that it was established solely for the purpose of buying the apartment.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan had earlier confirmed that he, too, owned an offshore company back in 1983.