- The PPP leader claims that Pinky mentioned his name on May 18.
- Urges that matters not be made public until investigation is complete.
- The Minister of Justice reiterates that NA stands with the senior PPP leader.
Former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said he was “shocked” after drug kingpin Anmol alias Pinky mentioned his name during a court appearance.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Ashraf – who is also a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) – said a video clip was released on May 18 in which the alleged drug dealer mentioned his name.
“I was shocked to learn which Raja Pervaiz Ashraf she was referring to,” he told the lower house of parliament, adding that the woman later said she was forced to make the allegation.
The former prime minister asked that such cases not be made public or shared on social media until investigations are complete.
He said every Pakistani has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
In response to Ashraf’s remarks, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq questioned Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on whether cybercrime authorities should take action against what he described as false propaganda.
To this, the Justice Minister reiterated that the House stood with the senior PPP leader.
Pinky, accused of running a drug ring, was arrested at her apartment in Karachi’s Garden area. However, the suspect denied the claim, saying she was detained in Lahore for 15 days before being transferred to Karachi.
In addition to the narcotics, the suspect also faces murder charges and is currently in custody on remand.
Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho on Tuesday said several prominent names may emerge during investigations into the Pinky case, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities in the fight against drug trafficking.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, the Sindh police chief said a task force was being formed and asked the public to come forward and testify in court.
IGP Odho also indicated that several files had already been registered against Pinky, including files from the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), adding that many individuals linked to the drug trade could be identified during the investigation.
