LAHORE - The Lahore High Court yesterday sought reply from Chairman NAB in a petition seeking direction for the bureau to investigate against PM Nawaz, his family members, and other politicians allegedly involved in establishing offshore companies.

During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Advocate Azhar Siddique contended that the matter of the Panama Papers was highly sensitive and needed to be investigated without any delay as allegations of establishing offshore companies by the rulers brought a bad name to the country.

The lawyer said several applications were filed to the NAB chairman for action against PM, his family members and all others named in the leaks but no inquiry had been initiated into the matter.

The counsel further held that the NAB had no reason for not initiating its inquiry after the Chief Justice of Pakistan refused to constitute judicial commission without a consensus between government and the opposition on ToRs (terms of reference).

He added that the federal government, NAB, and ECP were not interested in setting the law into motion and enforcing the constitutional provisions; hence in the larger interest and to uphold the Constitution, transparency and accountability, the matter was placed before the court for action in accordance with law as directed in Articles 4 & 5 of the Constitution.

The lawyer prayed the court to direct the NAB to start an investigation into the allegations of offshore companies established by the rulers and others.

Justice Shahid Waheed has sought reply from the National Accountability Bureau, adjourning the hearing for two weeks.