Imran’s claims about targeted killings baseless: Sanaullah

Khan should establish his claims with evidence, law minister says

LAHORE: Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Monday lashed out against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s chief Imran Khan dismissing as baseless his claim that targeted killings had increased in the province. He said combing operations were underway in the province to apprehend facilitators of terrorists.

He was speaking at a pre-session briefing at the Provincial Assembly.

Sanaullah called Khan’s statement on targeted killings in the province irresponsible. He said combing operations were under way and if needed other security agencies would be consulted for the purpose. He said at least 200 people had been arrested in these operations.

Sanaullah said Khan should establish with evidence that situation in the province was similar to that in Karachi. He said there had been no incident of political or sectarian targeted killings in the province.

The law minister said law enforcement agencies were working diligently to dispel rumours about child kidnappings and were also solving missing children cases.

Sanaullah said Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri wanted to cause panic and chaos in the country. “He is working to create an uncertain situation,” he said.

The law minister criticised the Opposition for taking matters to the streets. He doubted that the Accountability Campaign launched in the aftermath of Panama controversy could achieve success.

He said the 2018 general elections would bring an end to the politics of those agitating against the government.

He said the Provincial Assembly session would continue for two weeks.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2016.