Panamagate verdict: NAB summons emergency meeting

ISLAMABAD: As the Supreme Court announced its verdict in the Panamagate case and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file references against the members of Sharif family, the anti-corruption watchdog summoned an emergency meeting on Friday.

Earlier today, the apex court ordered NAB to file references against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his son-in-law Captain Safdar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and the premier’s daughter Maryam Safdar within six weeks while disqualifying the premier.

Directors, prosecutor general and director general of NAB have been summoned in the meeting. The prosecutor general will reportedly brief the participants on the matter.

Earlier today, the top court ordered the NAB to file references against Sharif family members on the basis of the material collected and referred to by the Joint Investigating Team (JIT) in its report and such other material as may be available with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and NAB.

“In case the Accountability Court finds any deed, document or affidavit filed by or on behalf of the respondent(s) or any other person(s) to be fake, false, forged or fabricated, it shall take appropriate action against the concerned person in accordance with the law,” the court ordered.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson confirmed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has stepped down from his office by acceding to the apex court’s judgment despite having reservations.

Expressing disappointment on the judgment, the spokesperson also confirmed the dissolution of federal cabinet with the premier’s resignation.

“The party will ensure implementation of Supreme Court’s orders. However, the party will avail all constitutional rights and options with regard to party concerns pertaining to court trial,” the spokesperson further said.

The spokesperson also said that the premier would vacate the Prime Minister House and shift to Punjab House in Islamabad.