• I would write letter to CJP to inquire Panama Papers allegations,
• I would accept the verdict of the Commission,
• Those who asking for accountability should also be accounted, PM addresses nation

ISLAMABAD, 22 APR, (DNA) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced that he would write a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan for setting up of a Commission to probe allegations being levelled against his family in the wake of Panama Leaks.

Nawaz Sharif said that he would accept the recommendations of the judicial commission. Sharif wondered if the allegations against him were not proven then would those who were making accusations, would they apologise?

Sharif also said that if any allegation against him was proven, he would resign from the post of Prime Minister without a second’s delay.

“I will go home if any allegation against me or my family is proved by the judicial commission,” Nawaz Sharif said in a televised address to the nation on state-run Radio and Television Friday night.

“We announced the formation of a commission despite the fact there was no such demand from masses,” he said, adding that he was not going to be deterred by the threats of his opponents.

“I believe I am answerable only to Allah and after that, to the people of Pakistan, who elected me as Prime Minister,” said Nawaz. “I have been given the chance to serve the people of Pakistan for the third time. I have never indulged in politics with fear. I am only accountable to them after the Almighty. I will accept the recommendations of this commission,” he added.

“As you know, my life has been an open book in front of you all,” he began his address. “I studied in this country, got married in this country and my children were also born in this country,” he added.

Nawaz Sharif categorically stated that neither he nor his family is involved in any illegal business activity, nor they took commissions or kickbacks.  Despite all this, he presents himself and his family for accountability as this is the democratic tradition.

“I had announced the formation of the commission so that the truth would prevail,” he said. “However, some people have set up their own courts and come forward with their own verdicts when the judicial commission hasn’t even been formed yet.”

The Prime Minister said details of their assets are there in the declarations they filed before the Election Commission of Pakistan and can be accessed by anyone.  He said declaration of assets of parliamentarians were removed from the website of the Election Commission but he issued directions for uploading them again on the website as people have the right to know about assets of their representatives.

The Prime Minister reminded people that despite the fact there was no mention of his name in Panama Papers but he announced formation of an inquiry commission to be headed by a retired judge. He regretted that some elements including those in media started a propaganda campaign including character assassination of honourable judges so that they do not agree to become part of the commission.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said some elements are inflicting huge losses to the country because of their fascist attitude.

He also spoke at length about the atrocities he had faced during the time when General Musharraf had him exiled to Saudi Arabia.

Nawaz said the most difficult time of all during his thirty years in politics was when he was exiled after General Musharraf’s military takeover.

“Those who ask us questions about factories in Saudi Arabia should tell us who sent us there?,” he asked. “When I was exiled, why didn’t anyone have the courage to go to the Supreme Court of Pakistan? Even our houses were locked,” he said.

Nawaz also said that those who were calling for accountability should also be accounted. “Who will account for the losses of billions which Pakistan incurred due to the dharna circus?” he asked. “Our vision is for a safe and progressive Pakistan while these people wish for the government to be distracted and get embroiled in such false, baseless allegations,” he claimed. =DNA

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