LAHORE: While several legal experts believe that the report submitted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in the Panama Papers case could lead to the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who, they argue, has been found guilty of violating provisions of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, others say that the court is not bound to act on the investigation report as it cannot be treated as a piece of evidence against the Sharif family.

Barrister Syed Ali Zafar explains that since the JIT has concluded that PM Sharif and his family are guilty of corruption, they have to be prosecuted by a court of law.

He says that since the JIT has submitted its report, the Supreme Court has to decide the matter after hearing objections to the report from PM Sharif and his family. If the objections were rejected, the court could move to disqualify PM Sharif and send the case to a competent court.

Mr Zafar does not buy the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz`s argument that the JIT`s report could not be considered complete without the statement of the former Qatari prime minister, who had written a letter to the Supreme Court in favour of the Sharif family.

He says the court had not asked the JIT to verify the Qatari PM`s letter, but the facts mentioned in it. The story narrated in the letter was proven untrue by the JIT, he adds.

Advocate A.K. Dogar is of the opinion that the JIT`s report is a simple investigation report, just like in any other case. He says a person cannot be convicted unless evidence is recorded and cross-examined in a court of law.

On the other hand, bar associations have hailed the JIT`s report and the Supreme Court`s order regarding the statements of PML-N ministers and coverage of the subjudice matter in the media.

Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary Aftab Ahmad Bajwa says the prime minister`s entire family should be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) and arrested. He says the prime should resign without delay considering the damming contents of the JIT`s report.

The Bar will file a petition before the Supreme Court against the Sharif family, he adds.

Lahore High Court Bar Association Secretary Amir Saeed Rawn demands strict action against those criticising the JIT and judges of the Supreme Court. He says that lawyers were united and would continue their struggle for the supremacy of the law and would not allow anyone to attack the SC.

Separately, members of the civil society have called for suo motu action against PML-N`s ministers for allegedly using aggressive language against the Supreme Court and other state institutions.

Addressing a rally at GPO Chowk, Civil Society Network Pakistan`s president Abdullah Malik said the citizens of Pakistan wanted the supremacy of rule of law, and an end to corruption.