On Tuesday evening Maryam Nawaz took to twitter and challenged the validity of Panama Papers as proof of corruption.
The PML-N narrative regarding the publications who released damaging information on Sharif family’s offshore companies thus far has been that these publications – BBC and Süddeutsche Zeitung – were bought by Jhangeer Tareen, a close aide of PTI chief Imran Khan.
In an attempt to fight back against the overwhelming criticism directed at her family she tweeted that the Panama papers were ‘crap’ and where not meant to be used as evidence for corruption by the original leakers.
Panama is crap. Trashed in the rest of the world. Those relying on it to bring down NS wil bite the dust Insha’Allah https://t.co/j17LCdlfvV
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 2, 2017
Panama papers were never about corruption. Even the stealers & hackers (read originators) didn’t say it was. Losers in imminent danger 1/2
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 2, 2017
She followed that up by accusing the opposition parties of using the leaks to malign her father for the sake of 2018 elections.
Of being swept away in 2018 pounced upon the conspiracy hatched by evil minds.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 2, 2017
There was also an unexpected response by one of the journalists who first received the Panama Papers leak, Bastian Obermayer. He attempted to clarify the actual nature of Panama Papers, confirming that they were actually about corruption.
Sorry to tell you: #panamapapers ARE about #corruption. We found an astonishing number of corruption cases in the documents – and all real. https://t.co/iC6zpoG4DU
— Bastian Obermayer (@b_obermayer) May 2, 2017
Maryam, not one to back down, fought back.
Read More: Panama Papers & Pakistan’s kingdom of lies!
The misery of journalists who broke the Panama story is understandable. Their overt & covert efforts to bring the govt down came to a naught
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 2, 2017
She alluded to their being an international conspiracy hatched by journalists to bring down her father. Maryam Nawaz is either unaware or ignoring the facts regarding Panama Leaks. Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsso resigned after it was revealed that he and his wife had an offshore company. Likewise, Panama Leaks controversy forced Ukrainian Prime Minister to also abdicate. Not to mention that there is a case pending in the Supreme Court against her family and her father, the Prime Minister, may be disqualified.
Don’t want 2say much abt nexus bet u & yr Pak counterparts but sad that they bcame a part of conspiracy against Pak. https://t.co/HQANc2lvWT
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 2, 2017
Frederick Obermaier, who co-authored the authoritative book on the Panama Leaks with Bastian Obermayer also tweeted in response to Maryam’s claims.
Trashed in the rest of the world? ICYMI: ~150 investigations, audits & investigations #PanamaPapers in ~80 countries https://t.co/wUVbDrL0NP https://t.co/1Xx1a6ueC4
— Frederik Obermaier (@f_obermaier) May 2, 2017
But despite the insurmountable mountain of evidence, Maryam maintained her narrative of a conspiracy against her family.
Telltale signs ! pic.twitter.com/42PNZfv8tv
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 2, 2017
The Panama Leaks comprised of 11.5 million leaks which revealed the methodologies employed by the world’s elite to hide their money and avoid taxation. Maryam Nawaz’s tweets indicate her constant denial of the reality she is confronted with. This is an example of how the post-truth phenomenon is manifesting in Pakistan.
Read More: Panama Case: Why German Paper’s disclosure may be extremely damaging fo Sharif Family
Despite her strong statements, Maryam Nawaz was able to gather little support. Most of the people who replied scoffed at her claims. Many Pakistani political leaders responded to her tweets with sharp retorts.
shahi khandan pichley chand din sey kuch ziada hi pareshan nahee nazar a rahey? seem to be shooting themselves in the foot on a daily bases
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) May 2, 2017
If #PanamaLeaks was a four-letter word, what is the SC adjudicating? Why did PM address the nation on it?Why did Iceland PM resign?
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 2, 2017
#PanamaIsNotTrash, it has exposed your family’s offshore properties that were bought with the laundered money @MaryamNSharif
— PTI KP (Official) (@PTIKPOfficial) May 2, 2017