The Grand Verdict: PM’s Fate On Thin Ice

ISLAMABAD: The much awaited grand verdict of Panama Paper case will finally be announced today by the five-judge Supreme Court bench in the Courtroom No.1 today (Friday).

The verdict will not only rule the fate of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif but will be decisive for the country’s political future.

The whole nation is anticipating today’s announcement likely to be done at 11:30am.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, who has been the most prominent petitioner, will not attend today’s proceeding. However, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul are expected to be present in the court.

The five-member bench that will announce the historic verdict will be headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, and will comprise Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

Strict security measures have been taken in the capital's Red Zone — where the Supreme Court is situated — with around 3,000 personnel of the Frontier Constabulary, Islamabad Police, and Punjab Rangers deployed for the purpose.