ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday sought disqualification of petitions submitted against him by opposition parties in light of the Panama Papers leak.
In an application filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Nawaz termed allegations levelled by four opposition parties against him as “baseless”, saying he has no association with any offshore company mentioned in Panama Papers.
The ECP, during its last hearing, sought the prime minister’s reply on petitions filed by the Pakistan People’s Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Awami Tehreek and Awami Muslim League.
Former attorney general Salman Butt appeared before the five-member commission and submitted reply of Prime Minister Nawaz.
Butt also submitted replies on behalf of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Hamza Shahbaz and Captain Safdar.
The documents submitted before the commission argued that no tangible evidence was produced by the petitioners against the prime minister and challenged the commission's jurisdiction, saying the commission was not authorised to disqualify a member of parliament.
The prime minister’s counsel urged the ECP to first take up application challenging jurisdiction of the commission.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retired) Sardar Raza remarked that the commission would decide the issue of its jurisdiction first, adjourning hearing till November 2.
