Islamabad: A move announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ten days ago to set in motion a judicial inquiry into offshore companies of his family members has apparently got bogged down, while political opponents step up pressure for his resignation.

He unveiled the move in an address to the nation on April 5, saying he would form a judicial commission under a retired Supreme Court judge to probe allegations of corruption over offshore assets of his two sons revealed in Panama leaks.

The opposition outrightly dismissed the initiative, demanding that a commission headed by the country’s sitting chief justice perform the task with assistance of a well-known international forensic audit firm.

The opponents want Sharif not to hold office during the inquiry and bounce back only if he is cleared.

Further complicating the situation, a flurry of contacts by the government with retired judges to agree to handle the investigation have proved fruitless, with none willing to accept the job.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said earlier this week the prime minister’s sons, Hassan and Hussain, would answer questions regarding their “financial matters.”

On its part the government is prepared for a probe to find out whether any money was siphoned off from Pakistan for offshore investments, the minister said.

He invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan, the main opposition Pakistan Peoples Party and others to engage in consultations with the government to shape up an acceptable probe mechanism.

Amid continued focus in the electronic and print media in Pakistan on offshore assets scandal, political temperature is rising, with confrontation and showdown looming between the government and the PTI.

Imran Khan who is now in London, where he said he would consult with some forensic audit company, is scheduled to address a planned massive gathering in Islamabad on April 24 on the occasion of 20th anniversary of founding of his party.

The firebrand arch political rival of Sharif says he would disclose the future course of action of his party if Sharif does not quit and appropriate investigation remains elusive.

Khan has however threatened that in case circumstances compel his party to launch agitation and mobilise people against corruption, the target will be the Raiwind estate of Sharif family near Lahore, capital of Punjab province, the power base of the rulers.

Federal minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq has reportedly warned that ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) “knows well the way to Bani Gala,” referring to the hilltop residence of the PTI chief in Islamabad suburbs.

Punjab law minister Rana Sanullah has challenged Imran Khan to carry out his threat, saying the PTI protest “will be buried in fields around Raiwind.”

The government has banned any rally in Islamabad’s sensitive zone where Supreme Court, the Parliament, Presidency, PM House, government secretariat complex and foreign missions are located.

In 2014, PTI leader had led a months-long sit in the so-designated ‘red zone’ near the parliament, paralysing the capital.

The PTI has said it would hold a peaceful rally on April 24 in the capital’s main public park, away from the sensitive zone.

According to local administration officials elaborate security preparations are underway to maintain law and order and meet any emergency.