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Rana Sanaullah acquitted in threatening bureaucrats case

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  • Court’s order came after plaintiff altered statement.
  • Sanaullah takes jibe at PTI chief over his appearance in court.
  • Case was registered against minister in August last year.

GUJRANWALA: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Tuesday was acquitted by an anti-terrorism court in a case involving threats to the Punjab chief secretary, his family, and other officers.

The court issued the decision after the case’s plaintiff altered their statement.

The case was originally filed against the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) politician at the Industrial Police Station in Gujranwala on August 25, 2022, after a complaint was lodged by Sheikh Shekaz Aslam, a leader from the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), citing threats made by Sanaullah.

After the court hearing, the minister spoke to journalists about fearlessly appearing before the judges, without resorting to any form of concealment such as using “buckets” over one’s head.

“All our leaders, including me, appeared in the courts,” he said, adding that he hadn’t informed anyone before coming to the court.

The interior minister said neither he nor any of his party’s members broke down doors of the court or stop judges from doing their work.

“We faced the law as a common man. We did not put buckets on our heads, nor did such dramas,” he added.

Earlier in February, the ATC had also issued an arrest warrant to apprehend Sanaullah and asked the police to present him on March 7.

In March, the minister requested an exemption from appearing at the court due to official engagements, but his request was turned down. The court then issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him.

The warrants were later suspended and instead directed him to submit surety bonds worth Rs100,000.

The case

The case against the senior PML-N politician was registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (punishment for acts of terrorism), and Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 189 (threat of injury to public servant) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

It stated that the interior minister made threatening remarks on a TV show.

“The purpose of Sanaullah’s statements was to terrorise the judiciary, chief secretary, commissioner and people of the country,” the FIR added. “His aim was to stop the officials from working and prevent them from fulfilling their lawful responsibilities.”

The complainant alleged that the minister’s speeches had created fear in the judiciary, bureaucracy, police, administration and the nation. He demanded an investigation against the PML-N leader.

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The PPP requests the image of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on currency notes.

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The resolution was passed during a seminar named ‘Bhutto Reference and History’, which focused on Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

The resolution praised the Supreme Court’s admission that the PPP founder’s trial, which resulted in his execution, was unfair and urged that the federal government confer on him the title of “Quaid-e-Awam” (Leader of the People) and the highest civilian honor, Nishan-e-Pakistan.

Aside from demanding that Bhutto’s image be used on currency notes, the resolution also asked for the construction of a fitting monument in his honor and the designation of his mausoleum as a national shrine.

Furthermore, it demands for the reversal of Bhutto’s unjust death sentence and the creation of a “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Award” for democracy activists who have given their lives for the cause.

In March, the National Assembly passed a resolution characterizing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s trial as judicial murder.

The Supreme Court released its reserved opinion on the presidential reference against the ‘controversial’ death sentence imposed on PPP founder, stating that the former prime minister was denied a “fair trial”.

A nine-judge court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa revealed its decision on the long-pending presidential reference to determine if it can reconsider its verdict, which the PPP and jurists perceive as a historic error.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was sentenced to death under former military dictator General (retired) Ziaul Haq’s administration.

The first elected prime minister of the country was charged with the murder of a political competitor, Nawab Mohammed Ahmed Qasuri, and a trial was held.

Bhutto was executed on April 4, 1979, despite requests and appeals for leniency and pity from various heads of state.

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The ‘clinics on wheels’ initiative is introduced by CM Maryam.

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Punjab is heading toward progress and prosperity, according to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Speaking at the ‘clinics on wheels’ project celebration, the chief minister emphasized how this project will improve public health and change the health system.

She emphasized that all of the essential medical facilities were included in the Clinics on Wheels scheme. There would be multiple locations for the 200 mobile clinics. Gynecology services, screenings, immunizations, and medical testing will all be offered at the clinics.

There will be ultrasound equipment available at 50 of the 200 mobile clinic locations. Up to 4 million people will be helped by this endeavor, especially in places without hospital services.

First choice for local physicians to volunteer for this project will be granted to those from 36 districts. Consideration is also being given to the lack of paramedical and nursing personnel.

The project, which was started by Nawaz Sharif and put on hold by the previous administration, is being restarted, according to the chief minister. According to her, her government’s goal is to deliver healthcare right to people’s doors.

Additionally, she revealed that eight districts in Punjab would have the construction of modern cardiology hospitals.

With Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Imran Nazir, and Health Secretary Ali Khan in attendance, CM Maryam officially launched the clinics on wheels project.

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Governor-rule attempt that is intolerable: Gandapur

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Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of KP denounced the incident on May 9 and promised that those in charge will face national scrutiny.

While eight FIRs have been filed against him in eight different districts, Gandapur stressed that none of the accusations have been validated.

Proving he was going nowhere without a fight, Gandapur issued a warning against tampering with democracy.

Any attempt to obstruct progress will be greeted with strong resistance, he warned, so avoid using disruptive tactics.

Gandapur declared, “We will seize the governor’s mansion and I will not keep quiet about the chief minister’s seat if governor law is imposed.”

With the media there to ensure transparency, the Chief Minister boldly challenged his predecessor, Pervez Khattak, to participate in a public discussion in the Kaaba.

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