Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has declared the judgment of the Supreme Court in Panama Papers case as beginning of accountability in Pakistan and hoped that others will also be held accountable for their wrongdoings.

Addressing media, Imran Khan appreciated the judiciary over its decision to disqualify Nawaz Sharif as prime minister in a case in which he was one of the three petitioners. Referring to the joint investigation team (JIT) members as heroes, the PTI chief said, “What the JIT did in 60 days could not have been done even in the West. With this investigation, it has become evident that we have the capability to put check on corruption. The Supreme Court has proven that today.”

Imran said, “This is the beginning … everyone will be held accountable now. Supreme Court’s decision has given new hope to the people of Pakistan.” The PTI chief said that the heads of government institutions responsible for accountability, such as NAB and SECP, were hand in glove with Nawaz Sharif. “They are not criminals, they are traitors,” he said, while referring to PML-N lawmakers who alleged misappropriation of funds at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.

“Allama Iqbal had dreamt of making Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. Quaid-e-Azam believed in the rule of law. And if Pakistan was not to become an Islamic welfare state, there was no reason for us to get separated from Muslims in India,” the PTI chairman said. “Today the foundation of Allama Iqbal’s Pakistan has been laid,” he added.

Khan also thanked all those who stood by him throughout the last 21 years [since the party was formed] as well as those who have been struggling for justice for the past three years.

The PTI chief announced to hold a rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground to celebrate Youm-e-Tashakur [Thanksgiving Day] on Sunday.

Published in Daily Times, July 29^th , 2017.