Expressing their full trust in the Supreme Court, the petitioners in the Panama Papers case have demanded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resign as he, according to them, does not adhere to Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. Talking to media persons outside the Supreme Court building during the apex court's hearing in the Panama case post-joint investigation team (JIT) report, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan said that two out of five judges of the apex court already believe that the Prime Minister should be disqualified.
If one more judge rules for the Prime Minister's disqualification then they will hear 'go Nawaz go' from the Supreme Court as well, he added. "There is no word like boycott or walkout in the Supreme Court but reply and reply to reply," he said. The court has made it clear that it would talk only on JIT report, said Awan, claiming, "Not only godfather No. 1 but godfather No. 2 will also be disqualified."
Awan further said that the entire nation has full confidence in the apex court and its proceedings in this high-profile case. He claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership stands divided on the issue of Prime Minister's resignation. PTI leader Naeem-ul-Haq reiterated the call for Prime Minister's resignation, calling him a "blemish" on Pakistan. "The Prime Minister violated the Constitution and the public trust. He lied to the Cabinet, his family and the entire public," he said. He hoped the top court's decision in the case will set a precedent.
Spokesperson PTI Fawad Chaudhry alleged that the Prime Minister's stay in office even for one more day is not in the interests of the country. "It seems now the resignation will not be given but it will be taken," he added. He said that the entire country has been put at risk to save the Prime Minister. "We request the entire nation including the PML-N not to think about the Sharif family but their first thought should be about the country. The Sharif family wants confrontation but the nation would not accept it, said Chaudhry, adding that Pakistan is not a banana republic. "We have strong institutions and media, people know about everything and its consequences. You (Sharif) cannot escape as you have done crime and you will face the music," said the PTI leader. He further said, "You will have to decide whether to face disqualification or give resignation. You should resign and present yourself before the investigation institutions and try to make yourself clear," said Chaudhry, adding but it seems that it is not going to happen.
PTI's Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said PTI is among other opposition parties that are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister. The government's strategy since day one has been to delay the proceedings, he said. He further said that not only opposition but lawyers are also demanding Prime Minister's resignation as it is in the best interest of democracy as well as country. The country will get a right direction with the decision in the Panama case, said Qureshi.
Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rashid said the entire nation stands behind the apex court. "I will first see what the court says before submitting another petition to disqualify Nawaz Sharif," he said. He further said that the entire nation eyes the top court for its crucial decision in the case, adding if any unfavorable judgment comes out, he would submit another petition to seek disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq said there is no hidden agenda and things are moving in right direction. Every moment is making things dangerous for the ruling family, claimed Haq, adding that they are going to meet their fate. The nation only wants a corruption-free country, he said. "Nawaz Sharif will have to go now, there is no other way. It has been observed that government and its lawyers want to make it a political issue rather fighting it as a legal issue," claimed Haq, adding that rulers want themselves to present as oppressed and present themselves as 'political martyrs'. "We want no one in Parliament who does not adhere to articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution", he said.
The JI chief said they are hopeful that after this case, rule of law will be equal for all and others named in the Panama Leaks will also be brought to book. Pakistan Muslim League-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also spoke to the media. He said the Supreme Court is doing what the Parliament should have done.