News Desk |
On Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasized that the PTI-led government is not involved in the arrest of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader, Rana Sanaullah, and stressed it is a legal matter that will be handled through legal channels and procedures.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the PTI-led government does not believe in practicing revenge politics against the opposition.
Addressing a meeting of party leaders, key federal ministers and PTI spokespersons, Prime Minister Imran Khan reviewed the arrests of opposition leaders, and he also appreciated the efforts of party spokespersons in successfully defending the agendas of the federal budget.
PTI Rejects Revenge Politics
Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that the PTI-led government is not connected with the arrest of Sanaullah in any manner. The premier said, “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf does not practice an ideology of revenge politics”.
Minister Afridi reiterated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement that no one is above the law and everyone is accountable.
The premier added, “The courts and other state-run institutions are now independent in this country, and those who are accused in cases should seek out courts to clear their names.”
Imran Khan noted that the opposition leaders are accusing the PTI-led government in a bid to divert the attention of the public from their own “crimes”. He stressed that the PTI-led government provided a fair opportunity to all those holding ‘benami’ assets, and now, the state will take indiscriminate action against these individuals.
Federal Ministers and PTI government advisers, including Minister Shaharyar Afridi, maintain that the arrests were ordered and carried by the Anti-Narcotics Force, and the arrest of Rana Sanaullah has led to the discovery of other heroin reserves.
Read more: Rana Sanaullah Arrest: A Question Mark on ANF performance
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan also shed light on his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump and his visit to Washington. He informed the federal ministers and party spokesperson that his upcoming visit to the US will assist in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
Opposition Politicizing Arrests
Earlier, PML-N leaders Shahbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz had accused Prime Minister Imran Khan for being directly involved in the arrest of Rana Sanaullah.
What has ANS got to do with Rana Sanaullah? It could not get more absurd. He has been arrested for his bold & courageous stance. Jaali-e-Azam being the small & petty minded man that he is, is directly behind his arrest. Make no mistake. https://t.co/7ziuR51u6h
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 1, 2019
Mohammad Moulvi, Advisor Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Chairman MM Group of Companies, tweeted, “After arrest of Rana Sanaullah, ANF PCU team at Port Qasim recovered huge amount of brown heroin from a container. The container was coming from Faisalabad which was cleared from Faisalabad Dry Port. Investigations started and the culprits will tracked as soon as possible.”
After arrest of Rana Sanaullah, ANF PCU team at Port Qasim recovered huge amount of brown heroin from a container. The container was coming from Faisalabad which was cleared from Faisalabad Dry Port. Investigations started and the culprits will tracked as soon as possible.
— Mahmood Moulvi (@MoulviMahmood) July 3, 2019
Jan Achakzai, political analyst and Chairman of the Centre for Geo-Politics and Balochistan, underscored that PML-N is politicizing cases like corruption, money laundering, benami and drugs to exhibit themselves as the “victims.”
Rana Sanaullah was arrested near Sukheki, on his way to Faisalabad from Lahore. He has also been accused of funding banned organizations.
Achakzai noted, “But corruption, money laundering, thuggery and mafia protection were hallmark of PML-N rule.”
The Baloch analyst added that during the PML-N tenure, the legal system was “hostage to big money” and hence, they are “untouchable except minor jail sentences”.
#PML-N politicising cases like corruption, money laundering, benami & drugs 2 show as victim.
But corruption, money laundering, thuggery & mafia protection were hallmark of PML-N rule.
Legal system hostage 2 big money.
So they are untouchable except minor jail sentences.
— Jan Achakzai / جان اچکزئی (@Jan_Achakzai) July 4, 2019
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had clarified that the arrest of Rana Sanaullah is a legal matter, and no one is above the law.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Rana Sanaullah was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to carry out an investigation on 1stst July. Sources reveal that Rana Sanaullah harbors close ties with drug sellers and peddlers, and drug dealers are also associated with proscribed organizations.
Rana Sanaullah was arrested near Sukheki, on his way to Faisalabad from Lahore. He has also been accused of funding banned organizations.
Read more: Rana Sanaullah arrested on drug possession charges
After his arrest, Minister Shaharyar Afridi had clarified that the ANF is a “disciplined and non-partisan force” and the matter of Rana Sanaullah’s arrest will be handled in court, where the “law would take its course”.
Minister Afridi reiterated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement that no one is above the law and everyone is accountable.
#ANF is disciplined & non-partisan force which arrested Rana Sanaullah Sb today. The matter is in court now & law would take its course. Both sides will hv equal right in court. This is #NayaPakistan vision of PM @ImranKhanPTI where nobody is above law & everyone is accountable.
— Shehryar Afridi (@ShehryarAfridi1) July 1, 2019