Panama leaks published a couple of days ago has shacked many capital around the world and revealed a startling fact that corruption is no more a local, personal or individual issue, but a global concern. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and an international coalition of media outlets investigated the trove of papers, which allegedly reveal a clandestine network of cartels across the globe. It is said that the aides of Russian President Vladimir Putin and those who had been indicted by the United States on corruption charges are involved in the game. The leaks, comprising 11.5 million tax documents, have exposed the secret dealings of the world leaders and celebrities for owning real estates in London through off-shore companies. The prime minister of Iceland has resigned and inquiries have started against the alleged investors in many countries, including India. The documents show the size of corruption and its ramification through secret channels around the world involving political figures and celebrities.
The leaks also point fingers at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly doing investment in off-shore companies to avoid taxes. However, to clear his position, Sharif has promptly announced the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the allegations. The commission will consist of a former judge of the Supreme Court to investigate what is called “the politically-motivated allegations” against Sharif and his family. The premier made an open offer to those who tend to level allegations against his family and bring an evidence before the judicial commission. In fact, by announcing the formation of the commission, the prime minister has almost come clean against the allegations of corruption. Earlier, his brother Punjab Chief Minister also claimed that he or his family is not involved in any kind of corruption.
The prime minister is in power and his latest move is a sign of his fairness but the others who are allegedly involved in wrong doings also deserve a fair chance of investigations. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has raised objections about the jurisdiction of the proposed commission and sought a clarification as to who would appoint the judge whether the Supreme Court chief justice or the federal government. The Federal Board of Revenue, the supreme tax collection authority, has also started an accountability process within the official ranks and it is hoped that the menace of corruption will be curtailed if not fully forced out of the department.
