PM’s speech over Panama papers was disappointing: Ex-servicemen

Lahore: The Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) have expressed disappointment over the recent speech of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The address of PM delivered on April 22 was un-statesman like in which he apparently complicated the high-profile case that actually required a simple explanation from him, it said.

This was observed in a meeting chaired by President PESA Ali Kuli Khan. Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim, Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Brig Mian Mahmud, Brig Masud ul Hassan and Brig Simon Sharaf were also present.

The Panama Paper did not contain any direct reference to the name of PM but the issue exploded only after one of his sons accepted ownership of the assets disclosed by the Leaks, they said.

Basically, it was PM’s responsibility to give details about the source of those assets and the method that was adopted to transfer those funds to the tax haven of off shore companies, they added.

Furthermore, the former military leaders said, being a matter of personal nature, there was no need to involve state agencies and the Cabinet.

We have the example of British prime minister who handled the case all by himself and gave out all details about the funds. Prime minister of Iceland could not satisfy the public hence resigned without any hesitation. .

Under pressure from opposition parties, the government has asked Chief Justice of Pakistan to set up an inquiry commission, however, its Terms of Reference have been so framed that its proceedings could be prolonged for an indefinite period, they noted.

Members of PESA agree with the need to investigate into all the causes that have prevented us to achieve Pakistan of our dreams but the most urgent issue revolves around integrity of our Head of the Government.

All members of PESA, therefore, request the Chief Justice of Pakistan to use his powers of ‘Suo Moto’ action and split the TOR in to two parts and set up two separate commissions to bridge the gap between government and opposition over the issue.

First commission directly led by him should cover Panama Leaks to give PM an opportunity to come clean in shortest possible time.

Otherwise, this issue might not affect his vote bank but would certainly leave an indelible black spot on Pakistan’s prestige.

The second commission may go in to all the other matters, starting from the day our top judiciary introduced ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ in 1954.