ISLAMABAD – Panama Papers brought out more names including Imran’s financier, Zardari’s and Altaf’s ‘close’ friends, Benazir’s cousin, retired admiral’s son, Seth Abid’s son, former MD of Port Qasim Authority and mother of Oscar Award winner Sharmeen Chinoy.
Still more names are expected to appear after thorough investigations. The foreign papers have managed to shock the nation yet again by bringing out names of more Pakistanis in its ‘much-awaited’ leaks on Monday. The names include close aides of politicians and families of celebrities whereas names of some high-profile figures are still under investigation and will be published after ascertainment.
The recently released list highlights Imran Khan’s financer; an oil tycoon close to both Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and currently in jail, Irfan Iqbal Puri; son of former health minister Naseer Khan; son of Seth Abid, Sajid Mehmood; son of Admiral (retd) Muzaffar Hassan and former managing director of Port Qasim Authority.
Names associated to celebrities include mother of Oscar award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; owner of Sachal Studio Izzat Majeed; fashion designer Zehra Valliani and her brother and asset manager Fawaz Valliani and Mehreen Akbar, wife of Ghous Akbar.
Although a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Aleem Khan has claimed confidently that his name didn’t come up in the Panama Papers but in fact the records very much show his name and disprove his claim of the story only being based on his assets declaration.
Another notable mention is of the Zulfi Family, which include Syed Zulfiqar Bokhari and his two sisters. Saba Obaid, mother of Sharmeen Obaid, has also garnered attention in connection with three companies, namely Belize Group Limited, Fabrics International Services Limited and the Bella Holding Group Limited.
Some denials have also come in response to these allegations. Ghous Akbar refused any association with the issue by attributing the ownership of the offshore companies to his in-laws. His wife also disassociated herself and denied any involvement in purchase of any such properties.
The proof that the mentioned names have been involved in any illegal activity or not still remains to be ascertained and investigations are in progress to achieve that. According to the whistleblower behind the Panama Papers, the ownership of offshore companies alone does not ascertain that they were established illegally, just that they have a more probability of being used for tax injustices.
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