ISLAMABAD: Majority of ministers show anger over mishandling of Rana Sanaullah drug trafficking case against opposition stalwart and President Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Punjab Rana Sanaullah Khan,which dominated the proceedings of the federal cabinet/
The cabinet was given an exclusive briefing by Director General Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Major General Arif Malik who along-with Minister of State for Interior Shaharyar Afridi threw light on the circumstances in which Rana Sanaullah was apprehended and consigned to prison where he was kept for six months. Sana was granted bail by the Lahore High Court (LHC) last week.
The ministers reportedly indulged into argument with the DG ANF over the handling of the case. The DG ANF and Shaharyar Afridi had to face tough questioning by the members of cabinet on account of perception that has developed about the whole episode and the authorities are seen in the dock. The administration is facing embarrassment on account of the whole episode.
Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema was loud with his reservations. The PML-Q lawmaker asked for evidence and proof of the offence and reminded his colleagues that “hollow swearing does not matter but evidence in such cases”.
He was referring to Shaharyar Afridi’s time and again swearing about the case that has become laughing stock in the media and people at large. Some ministers came out with criticism about the agency which instituted the case and maintained that the burden of the whole case has come on the prime minister due to follies of the agency concerned as opponents are alleging that the case is fabricated.
Major General Arif Malik refuted the allegations and claimed that the case was built on merit.
According to a private news channel, quoting sources, the DG ANF during the briefing claimed that Rana Sanaullah’s assets are worth between Rs25 to Rs30 billion. He informed the cabinet that ANF’s lawyer is paid Rs0.1 million per month and on the other hand Rana Sanaullah is represented by a retired judge while noudge was willing to hear this case.
The DG ANF revealed to the cabinet that Rana Sanaullah inherited a four-marla house and now his assets are worth between Rs25 to Rs30 billion. On this, the prime minister remarked that ANF is fighting the mafia and directed to provide full legal support to the ANF.
Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry criticised the ANF’s handling of the case as there was stark contrast in claims made in the press conference and FIR. Shireen Mazari questioned that why this case was not videotaped as it’s a norm to videotape every case these days. The minister for communication said the opposition took advantage the situation and the mafia has defeated ANF’s procedures. The DG said that ANF is unbiased and works on basis of proof, not political affiliations.
Tariq Bashir Cheema asked that why such a high-profile case was handled like a normal case. The DG said the ANF proceeded with care because the accused was a high-profile politician. He further added that the ANF is independent institution and will continue to work as per law.
Major General Arif Malik later met the prime minister separately to brief him about some hidden aspects of the case in the presence of Shaharyar Afridi. The sources revealed that majority of the cabinet members were disturbed about the developments, and they were not fully satisfied about the explanation given by the minister and agency chief. Shaharyar Afridi also passed the buck to the chief by saying that whatever he narrated was told by the major general. The sources said that the whole case would be reviewed in the light of briefing given by the two to the cabinet as the prime minister will make his own assessment in the matter
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