Investigations into Panama leaks: PPP extends a helping hand to government by offering its man

Opposition leader Khurshid Shah on Saturday proposed the name of Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani to spearhead a committee to probe the Panama leaks. Talking to reporters at Karachi Press Club, Khurshid said Senator Raza Rabbani could lead the Panama leaks probe body with equal participation of members from treasury and opposition on the committee, which should also have technical professionals for assistance.
"I believe that there is something [genuine] in the Panama leaks as two prime ministers have already resigned on the issue; hence the need for a free and fair investigation ... and the responsible should be sent home," Shah said. "Our first demand is that the Chief Justice of Pakistan should head the probe team and if he refuses to do so, a committee of the parliament led by chairman Senate should be set up to initiate investigations," he added.
He said Raza Rabbani is an "undisputed" person to investigate the offshore businesses of the premier's family and others. Opposing the appointment of Sarmad Jalal Osmani, he said the former justice's family members were a part of the ruling PML-N. "Although I personally have a lot of respect for Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani mainly because of the fact that he had refused to take oath under a PCO during Gen Musharraf's rule; but he cannot accept his nomination as head of the proposed commission because his family's sentiments are with PML-N," he said and added that Osmani's wife joined PML-N in 2007 when Nawaz Sharif visited their residence.
Shah said it's PML-N's history that it has always sought help from retired judges in difficult times and later 'paid back' by giving them tickets of Senate or other political offices. "If the government is serious about the issue, it should immediately set up a committee or commission to probe the Panama Leaks and resolve the matter," the opposition leader said.
Justifying his party's decision in relation to PTI's sit-in in Raiwind, Shah said protests outsides 'residences' should not become a trend in the country. There should be sanctity of everyone's home, he said, adding that PPP would not take part in such agitation.
He said the entire opposition is on the same page and wants to resolve the matter in a proper manner, however PPP will not take part in the PTI's sit-in in Raiwind as it believed that resolution of political disputes does not lie in besieging opponents' residences. "All opposition parties including PPP have agreed on the formation of a judicial commission headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan," he added. Replying to a question, Khurshid said there is no plan of a meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari in London. He said PPP has always supported democracy and will continue its efforts for a stable democracy in the country.