Panamagate JIT quizzes PM's cousin Tariq Shafi for second time

ISLAMABAD: The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the money trail of the Sharif family’s London properties on Sunday grilled the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s cousin Tariq Shafi for the second time, ARY News reported.

Speaking to media briefly afterwards, Shafi said that he has not submitted any new documents, neither has he contradicted his stance after his previous appearance. He said the JIT has not summoned him again, but would would appear again if required.

He remained silent when asked about the attitude of the JIT towards him. Shafi had during his first appearance on May 15 complained about the high-handed attitude of JIT members, even accusing them of coercing him to testify against Nawaz Sharif.

Tariq Shafi reached the the JIT headquarters at Federal Judicial Academy where a large number of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) workers welcomed him, showered petals, and raised slogans in favour of Nawaz Sharif. Minister for State Abid Sher Ali was also present outside, and later gave a tirade against political opponents who he alleged were undermining democracy in the country.

The JIT, headed by FIA additional director general Wajid Zia, was expected to question the PM’s cousin with regard to the first family’s Hudaibya Papers Mills and business transactions that took place back in 1990s.

The six-member team has summoned the PM’s childrean Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz and Mariam Nawaz on July 3, 4, and 5 respectively. They have been asked to turn up along with the relevant documents and records pertaining to their properties.

The JIT  is winding up the probe as the July 10 deadline looms ahead to submit the final report to the Supreme Court. The investigating team was given sixty days to probe the Sharif family’s properties and the money trail as part of the verdict announced in the Panama Papers case. The Supreme Court reviews progress of the investigation after every fortnight.