April 6, 2016
Pakistan—Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif set up a judicial commission after political opponents accused him of corruption following reports that linked his children to offshore companies.
Mr. Sharif’s sons and daughter were named in the reports, based on documents that were leaked from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca & Co., which appeared on the website of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The documents don’t allege any wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Sharif and his family. Having an offshore account or company isn’t illegal in Pakistan.
Mr. Sharif denied wrongdoing by him or his family members, saying he has “never betrayed the trust of the nation.”
The so-called Panama Papers are the top focus of discussion in the Pakistani media. Analysts said they aren’t likely to topple Mr. Sharif, but they will hurt him politically. Mr. Sharif’s sons, Hussain and Hassan, and daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif were named in the documents. A family statement said the documents alleged no wrongdoing, and that the businesses linked to the Sharif children have complied with all legal and financial obligations.