Pakistan

Davis' release: Shahbaz offers to resign if accusations proven

Chief Minister Punjab says he will resign if accusations of his involvement in Davis' pardon were proven.

Express March 28, 2011

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Monday offered to resign if accusations of his involvement in Raymond Davis' pardon were proven.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Shahbaz Sharif said that the Punjab government will continue its probe into the sudden release of Davis. He assured that the Punjab government is looking into the unanswered questions that have emerged following the CIA contractor's release.

However, Sharif said that the federal government and the victims' families should be asked questions concerning the blood money that was paid and the deal that was struck to ensure Davis' release.

The Chief Minister reiterated that his government maintains its stance over the issue. He said it was in no way involved in the bargaining process of Davis' release.

LHC seeks govt's reply about missing families

Taking notice of the Punjab Law Minister's claim about the whereabouts of the missing families of the Lahore shootout victims, the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought a reply from the federal and provincial governments.

Rana Sanaullah had claimed the missing families of Faizan and Fahim who were killed by the CIA contractor Raymond Davis might be hiding in Rawalpindi.

The Punjab government had submitted a reply on Monday, stating it had no information regarding the whereabouts of the families. The court, however, asked the federal and Punjab governments to submit detailed explanations regarding Sanaullah's statement.

The Lahore High Court has adjourned the hearing till April 1 after issuing notices to the parties.

COMMENTS (41)

Aasia Sohail Mian | 13 years ago | Reply Not even a single act is done in the province of Punjab without the consultation of Chief Minister, then how it is possible that Shahbaz Sharif is ignorant about the deal made in release of Raymond Davis..The script of his release was written much earlier, before his release with the mutual understanding of federal and provincial governments. The press conference is bogus and bears no weight. Chief Minister has falsely attempted to clear his position, against the facts. Rana Sana Ullah Law Minister has shown the passport of Raymond Davis publicly, in media which shows that he was aware of all the deal made in the illegal transportation of the Raymond Davis. Furthermore, the jail department and police is under the Punjab Government, how it can be admitted that chief minister is unaware of the deal and facts.Shahbaz Sharif has committed another offense, and that is speaking lie with the nation. He should resign, because public is not going to believe what he said yesterday in his press briefing.

Sheikh Sarmad | 13 years ago | Reply Agreed with Aariz.....While everyone was concerned about the luggage of Dr Davis, media conveniently didn't mention five mobiles, two wallets ,and a hand gun...on innocent Faizan and Fahim...:-)

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

mr . unsarif | 13 years ago | Reply can he resign from "Hippocrates Enterprise" ..!!

Nazir Habib | 13 years ago | Reply @Prasad: No need to tell us. Tell this to the birds and bees. This fact is as old as the hills. Thanx anyway for your concern.

jawed sarwar | 13 years ago | Reply I can not stop laughing on the stement of mian saheb. I think if he is not aware of release of davis and was kept in the dark then as a protest he should have resigned. As a CM of a province it is his duty to see that all the aspects of management,offices,dealings,important discussions and dealings must go through him, if decision of davis release was made without his knowledge then he should resign.First of all anybody can figure it out that his departure to London was a face saver. People can be fooled once but not all the times. Politicians are fooling the masses again and again. At present Zardari has only FRIENDLY OPPOSITION. I should give credit to Zardari and Nawaz for that.

Mulla Toofhan | 13 years ago | Reply Mr sheriff, Please don't play " The Innocent Victim". You were either well aware of the events that were to happen or you were consulted or informed by higher authorities, and of course you had to disappear temporarily for face saving. Mr Shahbaz, in any case you have no say or influence on such matters, You have no choice but to accept the decision. We know who holds the Key to Pakistan, Not you, Not PM, not even the President could/can do without the approval of the General Sahib. So whatever time is left for your term please try harder to be more honest and truthful to the Nation. @ Humanity, Well said, we do think alike.

Saad Durrani | 13 years ago | Reply Everyone roll your eyes... and say #orly... how about tomorrow...

No BS | 13 years ago | Reply Najam Sethi clears the story, Elder Sharifs heart surgery was all complete RUBBISH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI093jbNkfQ&feature=player_embedded

umar khaliq | 13 years ago | Reply now they will keep on shifting the blame untill public lost interest in the matter and eventually forget it!!!!!!!!!!!

A R Khan, Wisconsin | 13 years ago | Reply Such an empty threat, Shahbaz Sharif. The courts have not been able to prove who killed Salman Taseer? Do you seriously think they will reach a just statement regarding your case? Such an empty threat! Shame on you!

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Aariz: Thank you, at least the country has some sane people !! This was a non starter from word GO, Anyone with any common sense knew the end result ! there were no options for the police or govt, and very little political mileage too. Infact the govt of pakistan looked pretty stupid from outside world's point of view too. Why is that there were no more demos in retaliation to the release??? these dogs have learned to bark, but sadly can not bite!!!!!

Aariz | 13 years ago | Reply the only person who should have been compensated was the victim that was hit by the car. It amazes me that you people are so up in arms about the fact that 2 criminals were killed. If refer to the pictures in all the papers the day of the incident, these 2 were clearly armed, the media reported it as such, the initial police reports said so and the photos show 2 hand guns on the ground. This would be a complete non-story if these 2 were killed by anybody but an American. If the American or anyone else is killing criminals and terrorists for us, we should be happy. These are criminals that will no longer be able to harm Pakistani's. Ultimately WE are all the beneficiaries when these people are off the streets. Let this serve as a warning to all criminals in Pakistan, you never know who is armed, who is CIA and if you choose a life of crime beware of the outcome.

ba ha | 13 years ago | Reply I agree with" humanity" (tongue in cheek.) At the very least we should be 1/2 as efficient as Mossad. Our embassy in Washington is really just a Laundry for washing currency so fat chance you will get any results@Humanity:

saleem | 13 years ago | Reply The nation has,luckily, already forgotten Davis. Can you please you also forget him, Mr Khadam-i-ala.

Copper | 13 years ago | Reply Clearly the agencies were involved in the deal. Are we so naive to blame it on Shahbaz Sharif`?

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Humanity: Oh ! He or She may suggest , that its locals and they are entitle to commit crimes , but not the GORAS!!! perhaps, also as they are likely to be poor forget about blood money too!!!

Fareedi | 13 years ago | Reply What ever else has been proven in our country. Even convicted criminals are sitting in assemblies. There is no morality in current politics and politicians. They don't give a damn about the country.

Humanity | 13 years ago | Reply @sdfafa: "hunt davis down and murder him. Protect faizan and fahim’s families." What is your advise for the murderers who roam free in Pakistan and have not even paid blood money?

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @sdfafa: Very good idea!! try it, he is in uncle sam's turf !!! not some mountains in afghanistan!!! try it, and see the outcome , they will charge you, drag you to courts and sentence you very promptly , its not pakistan time justice!! Its fast and it works too!! Oh Yes , One little matter of importance!! They do not Accept any Blood Money either, hence one less option to worry about.

ba ha | 13 years ago | Reply The term of office should be three years only. Our politicians, bureaucrats & faujjis become so comfortable and complacent in their 5 year long game plan that they give us a hard time when its time to pack up. And of course they don't work as fast as they can. ( Davis case not withstanding). In a three year term -only the really really good and corrupt will be left in the game. At least the ignorant bimbos will be removed. and we have had it with those critters.

Ali Haider | 13 years ago | Reply People deserve these leaders. They have elected them after all!!!

Abdul Wahab | 13 years ago | Reply Those who were the relatives they do not have any issue with the Blood Money I don;t know why you guys are worried about, sitting on chair at home using a laptop or PC of thousands of rupees it's easier to write. Those who lead we don't trust them and ourself we are beggers .. either be a chooser or begger ....

sdfafa | 13 years ago | Reply hunt davis down and murder him. Protect faizan and fahim's families.

ishaq | 13 years ago | Reply Hypocrisy at its Best.

Nadeem Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Mian Sahib should not resign, instead he should accept his lead role in Davis saga. Everything was wrong, from the arrest of innocent Davis to payment of huge sums to robbers families. If they had deserved some money, then why Imran and other religious fanatics did not arrange that. These fanatics promised but after knowing the truth, they refused to pay them anything. Mian Sahib, Federal Government and above all, ISI should take credit of Davis' release. They have saved Pakistan from great embarrasement and future problems. Mian Sahib has a habit of not taking credit of great things he does, but this time should accept his role.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply Ofcourse you wouldnt resign even if its proven, coz you guys lack the competency to be at Top slot...I am sure you had no info about this case like you never knew about happenings in Kargil...You guys are very FUNNY

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply Then why did the brothers leave for UK on very timely visit?? Surely not to escape the wraith of the public!!!! Of course he can afford to offer to resign! question is has he ever done so!!!!! It would be nice to know how much outstanding loans this family owe to various banks and how were their assets aquired in pakistan and abroad, also can they verify the source of their wealth!!!! Being a landlord in punjab does not create the level of wealth these two have, abroad.

Prasad | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistani people have to face the facts. The Pakistani establishment does not tell the truth and that should be obvious to everyone from incidents in the past. The drone bombings are a classic case, both the army and government have given the permission in exchange for money, but pretend not to know in public. First of all the issue was diplomatic immunity. In one of the interviews, Raymond Davis clearly says he has diplomatic immunity and he asked the police to produce his passport that was in their custody to prove it. But the police were dodging the issue. The diplomatic immunity would be stamped on the passport. USA says he has diplomatic immunity and I am inclined to believe them. The blood money was paid by Pakistani establishment and not USA. So everything points to a deal done by USA and Pak Army. Pakistan was in a bind, they need American help and American money. I donot understand, when a country is in such a situation why they kick up a fuss about something they have no leg to stand on. Pakistan should set its house in order, stop playing games in Afghanistan, stop baiting and needling India. India's economy is going from strength to strength, while Pakistan is dependent on Aid and close to bankruptcy.

A. R. | 13 years ago | Reply The simple fact that PML-N, PPP, PML-Q and MQM didn't call for even a token strike against the release shows that they were all okay with the decision, and in the American lap, enjoying Rojer Rojer. Good for them I say. At least they all got some more practice of being the slaves that they are, and at least they know their position. The rest of us are slaves and don't even realize it, nor get rewarded for it.

Yasser Khan | 13 years ago | Reply ah resignation thing is not practical, he should have said, if accusations proved right, he would go back to his hair style of 90's.

Aqeel Ahmed Khan Sherwani | 13 years ago | Reply guys - i agree with first two comments writers :) both brothers escaped from the scene at right time, Shahbaz went on 15th Mar and Ch Nisar said that he will return in 2 days - but he came back after 12 days, this is simply to hide from media and showing people that they dont had any role. u guys know Rana Sana-ullah announced the news for the first time so Punjab govt is the main responsible for Davis' release.

Nafees Ahmad | 13 years ago | Reply Well to Mr. Sharif, i believed he should resign as he can't isolate himself from this issue. Simply. if some one came to your house and killed your two family members (suppose if it was Hamza Shahbaz targeted by Mr. Davis) and then they capture him and after one month free him and Mr. Sharif says he has nothing to do with freeing those man. What kind of diplomacy is that???. Can you let anyone kill your family members?? and let him go just like that? and above all what about all the crimes he committed against Pakistan??? Both Sharif brothers are known for taking things personally but on this Issue, both become so kido, that the whole nation is ashamed. They proved that they are not leaders but simply opportunistic like most of other political leaders. bye bye Sharif brothers, Nice doing business with you.

Karim Khan | 13 years ago | Reply He should have resigned by now. But we know he won't and he knows "proving" is something that neverhappens in Pakistan. He dosn't care even if the whole punjab's people were killed. All he needs is authority to continue ruling and approprtaing what belongs to the nation.

Danish | 13 years ago | Reply hahaha ...... the fact that Davis was released is enough proof Mr. Sharif, that you were in favour. If you were so against his release, you could have taken a principled stance and resigned the day he was released, instead of conveniently running away and hiding in London. After all Shah Mehmood Qureshi did the same.

Sultan Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply People has been failed,totally failed to understand where is the ball now,who is on the turn to hit. It has become talk of the town that families of Faheem and faizan has disappeared any where, they are still not available but now is being by the Punhab law minister that they are in Rawalpindi,what is going on?it has become a question for the whole nation. What is the reality behind the scene.reality is that both the major parties in power are making fool to the nation but the nation is not too foolish ,the whole nation understand that both are involved in the high-staged drama being played by high profile actors and foreign directors .

awais | 13 years ago | Reply i wish they did so................

Hammad Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Topi Drama......once again !

No BS | 13 years ago | Reply Why did CM Sharif come back? I though the two brothers had packed up and fled?

Zahid Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply To prove something in this country is just not possible Sir. Simple example is corruption of politicians.

Nurmomad | 13 years ago | Reply "continue the probe" .... indefinitely, of course :-) What a shame!

saleem | 13 years ago | Reply The court should ask Rana Sanaullah and not the federal government!

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