Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah rejected demands for Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s resignation on Sunday. He described Senator Faisal Vawda’s demand as completely baseless. Moreover, he alleged that some elements were attempting to connect Dar with the foreign women assault case.
Sanaullah said the controversy was being unnecessarily amplified. He added that certain individuals wanted to create a political issue from the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, he insisted that every individual remained responsible for their own actions. He also claimed that a particular mindset was promoting the matter for specific purposes.
Sanaullah Dismisses Political Allegations
Sanaullah maintained that efforts were underway to drag Ishaq Dar into the case without justification. However, he argued that the deputy prime minister had no connection with the allegations. He stressed that political narratives should not interfere with legal proceedings. Therefore, he urged everyone to allow investigators to complete their work independently.
The case gained national attention after police registered a First Information Report at Lahore’s Defence C Police Station. Authorities named five suspects in the FIR. Among them was Muhammad Raza Dar, identified as the grandson of a prominent political figure. Investigators accused the suspects of kidnapping, extortion, and sexually assaulting two foreign nationals from Spain and the Netherlands.
Investigation Moves Towards Trial
Meanwhile, Sanaullah confirmed that investigators had recorded the victims’ statements under Section 164. He said the investigating agency possessed sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused. Consequently, he believed no additional evidence was necessary before submitting the challan.
He further stated that the recorded statements could support a conviction during trial. However, authorities could ask the foreign women to return to Pakistan if further testimony became necessary.
Meanwhile, Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed authorities to ensure merit-based action throughout the investigation.
