Updates on today’s Panama Case JIT hearing

The Panamagate case Joint Investigation Team submitted the final probe report with evidences to Supreme Court’s special implementation bench today (Monday).

Before adjourning the hearing till July 17 Monday, the apex court took notices on record tampering, Hussain Nawaz’s leaked picture, and case of contempt of court on the Daily Jang and The News.

The Supreme Court ordered the registration of FIR against the chairman of Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Zafar Hijazi for tampering with official records.

After identifying Zafar Hijazi as the one behind changing official records of the Chaudhry Sugar Mills, owned by the Sharif family, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had submitted to the court the report on its inquiry over the weekend.

Regarding Hussain Nawaz's plea to the bench to form a judicial commission into the leaking of his JIT interrogation picture, the bench observed that the government may form a commission on the issue if it chooses to.

Justice Ejaz also ordered that the person who leaked the picture should be identified.

The Jang Group’s Editor in Chief Mir-Shakil-ur Rehman, publisher Mir Javed Rehman and The News reporter Ahmed Noorani have been issued contempt of court notices by the Supreme Court bench over certain news reports published in the Daily Jang and The News, ordering clarification within seven days.

In a special request made by JIT head, FIA Additional Director Wajid Zia to the court, the volume 10 of the report might not be made public as it will be used for further investigation.

The apex court said JIT members will now go back to their parent departments where they will have complete freedom to continue their duties. In case they are harassed, they should approach the Supreme Court.

The respondents and petitioners have been directed to approach the Supreme Court Registrar Office to acquire copies of the JIT’s final probe report. The bench also ordered to provide the attorney general with a copy of the report.