Hussain Nawaz's leaked photo reeks of vengeance: Marriyum Auranzeb

Interior ministry terms allegations of its involvement in leaking picture as ‘baseless, absurd and ridiculous’

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb, on Sunday, took strong exception to a photo of Hussain Nawaz being leaked during investigation by the Joint Investigation Team [JIT], terming it an 'unusual' happening.



In a statement, Aurangzeb said the modus operandi of the leak and its publication was regrettable, demeaning and a breach of investigation rules. She said the latest incident combined with assigning controversial ephithets and Whatsapp calls raised questions over the impartiality and transparency of the process.

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"The occurrence of these incidents in succession smacked of vengeance, leading to an ambiance of misgivings." she added.

Aurangzeb said the prime minister and his family were adhering to all requirements of justice and the attempts to ridicule them for seeking recourse to law constituted a brazen violation of human and legal rights.



She reiterated that the premiere and members of his family were hoping for justice as they believed in rule of the law and supremacy of constitution despite having reservation about the process and rampant irregularities. Adding that they would continue to cooperate in future to seek justice.

The minister of state for information and broadcasting observed that the leaked image of Hussain Nawaz was a testimony that he was waiting for justice. She said the Sharif family had set an example by presenting themselves for accountability in the Panama cases.

Interior ministry rejects allegations

Meanwhile, the interior ministry rejected on Monday allegations that it was responsible for leaking Hussain’s picture by terming them “baseless, absurd and ridiculous.”

“Only the external security of the Federal Judicial Academy, where the proceedings of the JIT are taking place, rests with the Islamabad police, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a statement.



The spokesperson said that the ministry and its various departments including, the Islamabad police, did not have any access either to the offices of the JIT or the proceedings or its video recording.

“Islamabad police or the interior ministry has no role in the administrative matters of the academy,” the spokesperson said, regretting the way politics was being played on a sensitive issue.

“If for instance one believes such logic, then should we hold Islamabad police responsible for all that takes place in Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence as ICT police provides security to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman,” the statement added.