Daily Times

It has been more than 5 months since Panama Leaks revelations. It is one of the biggest leaks in journalistic history reveals the secretive offshore companies used to hide wealth, evade taxes and commit fraud by the world’s dictators, business tycoons and criminals. Whole world including our neighbouring country India started investigation on Panama Papers long ago. Masses in different countries including England and Iceland hit the streets over Panama Leaks issue. People of Iceland forced their Prime Minister to resign from his post. David Cameron also faced severe criticism due to his father’s offshore company. He later answered to every question raised by the opposition in the House Of Lords and got himself out of this tough situation.

This is what happened in world. But unfortunately in Pakistan, nothing has happened so far on Panama Leaks issue and it seems that nothing going to happen in future as well. Some politicians termed Panama Leaks as “Shetani Leaks” and some termed it as a ‘conspiracy against democracy’. Just imagine the seriousness of our rules on this serious issue. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressed the nation over Panama Leaks issue and presented himself and his family for accountability. But with the passage of time it proved out to be a mere statement nothing else. Government and opposition tried to form joint Terms of Reference but failed. Government also sent a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and requesting him to investigate the reports of Panama Papers but chief justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali rejected Terms of Reference submitted by the government that would investigate the Panama Leaks.

Although Mian Nawaz Sharif did present himself for accountability but now he has backed off. We have often heard his party leaders on media saying Nawaz Sharif’s name is not in Panama Leaks so he should not be investigated. This is a clear indication that Mian sahib has backed off from his position which he took in his address to nation.

It’s been more than five months since Panama Leaks, National Accountability Bureu (NAB) is silent, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is silent, Government not accepting opposition’s TORs, Supreme Court not taking Suo-moto action, so where should Imran Khan go? He has left with no other option but to come on roads. Unfortunately in Pakistan, if someone talks about corruption and accountability, he is labelled as a conspiracist whose aim is to derail the democracy. Same is happening with Imran Khan, he has been declared as enemy of the country by the ruling party who is creating hurdles in the way of progress. In reality, the only way to strengthen democracy is accountability. And this is what Imran Khan has been demanding. Every Pakistani tax payer including Imran Khan has the right to ask questions to their prime minister. In democracy, a prime minister is accountable to his nation.

Instead of giving answers to the allegations, Nawaz Sharif and his party run over the opponents. Even Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital is not being spared by the PMLN. Imran Khan has presented himself for accountability multiple times. He has offered government to investigate SKMCH and even Bani Gala. This is something we rarely see by the leaders. But this is very strange that why PMLN only remember Shaukat Khanam and Bani Gala when they are asked to give answers to the allegations? This is only a blackmailing tactic but it seems that it not affecting Imran Khan as he has announced Raiwind March on September 24.

Nawaz Sharif can easily stop Imran Khan from doing Raiwind March by answering the four questions which Imran Khan raised. Where did the money come from to buy those properties? How did you send the money from Pakistan? Did you pay Tax on this money? When you bought those flats? These are the four questions which Imran Khan and the whole nation wants Mian sahib answers to.