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Sunday, November 24, 2024  
22 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446  

Panamagate case: PM's counsel continues arguments

-File photo -File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday resumed the hearing of Panama Papers case, Aaj News reported.

A five-member larger bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa heard the case.

Prime Minister's counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan submitted his arguments, said that he would try to wrap up his arguments regarding Articles 62 and 63 today.

Makhdoom Ali Khan argued that in all previous cases the court's decision came only after sufficient evidence was provided to the court.

He cited the example of the disqualification case against ex-PM Yousaf Raza Gilani. The verdict came in light of sufficient evidence in that case, he added.

Raising questions over the Prime Minister’s speech in the parliament, Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said that first the prime minister had said he had not misrepresented information. “Now he is arguing that even if he misrepresented information, he has immunity.”

“Can this immunity be withdrawn?” Justice Asif Saeed Khosa asked.

On which, the PM’s counsel answered, the parliament can withdraw the immunity. The court will have to look at the speech in accordance with the law, and then give a verdict, he added.

Justice Azmat Saeed said that the article 62 is also part of the constitution. “Does it not apply on the Prime Minister if he misrepresented information?”

Counsel for Jamat-e-Islami (JI) asked copies of all the court rulings. The JI also submitted a petition against the Prime Minister where the National Assembly speaker, cabinet and federation have been made party.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till January 17 (Tuesday).