ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Friday requested the Supreme Court to fix its pending petition over Panama Papers for an early hearing, preferably on November 8. The application was filed by JI chief Senator Sirajul Haq under Order XXXIII Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules 1980 seeking early hearing of his pending petition, stating that the plea was moved in the larger interest of justice. He contended that the delay in fixation of the case would facilitate the owners of offshore companies to further camouflage their sources and money. In August 2016, Sirajul Haq had filed a petition in the Supreme Court under Article 184 (3) of the constitution, seeking directives of the apex court to the federation to initiate an inquiry into the Panama leaks, involving Pakistani politicians, businessmen and government entities for establishing offshore companies. In April 2017, the largest document leak, Panama Papers, had initially figured some 200 and later on 400 more people, including the family members of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, for allegedly establishing offshore companies. The petition filed by JI chief did not mention the name of any politician or businessman, found involved in establishing offshore companies; however, asked the apex court to direct an inquiry into the Panama leaks. He had contended that a large number of the personalities, who were holder of public offices, were also involved in the commission of said alleged offences, adding that they did not mention in their assets details about their investments through offshore companies, and thus all such holders of public offices were liable to be disqualified from their offices and also be punished accordingly. He had stated that the political and financial condition of the country required that the said looted money be brought back by initiating a legal action under the law. “And the non-action of the government functionaries/agencies, who are responsible to take action over the instant matters of corruption and corrupt practices, is against the constitution of the Pakistan and requires indulgence of the apex court.” He had contended that immediate arrest of culprits and a stern action to recover and bring the money back to the country was in the general interest of the public prosperity and progress of the people of Pakistan. Published in Daily Times, November 4th 2017.