Panamagate Case: PM’s counsel says Mariyum Nawaz is financially independent

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Makhdoom Ali Khan, the counsel of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has on Thursday claimed that Mariyum Nawaz is not dependent on anyone and she is completely independent financially. A five member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa has resumed the hearing of the Panamagate case. During the proceedings, the counsel of Prime Minister Nawaz presented his arguments. Shahid Hamid Hamid presented details of properties purchased in the name of Mariyum Nawaz. Presenting his arguments, Makhdoom Ali Khan said that it could be estimated from the asset details that how she bears her expenses. He said that the court will be informed about all the properties and assets. The court will also be informed as to how these assets were accumulated. Justice Ijaz Afzal remarked that the term dependent could be understood by keeping in mind the case. Justice Asif Khosa remarked that the offshore entities are not illegal but tax evasion and concealing assets is illegal. Earlier, the Supreme Court had on Wednesday said that there is contradiction between the speeches of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the statements submitted in the court. The prime minister’s lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan had said that money transfers between his client and children took place through proper banking channels. The court asked if the money was transferred through bank accounts then why any attested record was not submitted in the court. “You must have submitted documents in the court along with the reply,” he added. He submitted that Hussain Nawaz owns a genuine business in Saudi Arabia which is capable of generating funds. The counsel said that Hussain Nawaz sends money to his father as per the Saudi laws and banking channels. The prime minister's lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan completed his arguments. The court adjourned the hearing till tomorrow (Friday).