'Mishandling of narcotics case against Sanaullah caused embarrassment to govt'

DG ANF briefs ministers on the case against PML-N leader

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has said that the PTI government had faced embarrassment due to the "mishandling" of the drugs possession case against PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah by Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).

DG ANF Major General Muhammad Arif briefed on Tuesday the federal cabinet about the case against Sanaullah, who was arrested in July this year for allegedly possessing a sizeable quantity of narcotics.

The PML-N leader was granted bail on December 24 by the Lahore High Court. He has denied the charge, terming it “politically motivated”.

Other ministers also raised questions over the ANF investigation in the case.

Murad Saeed, the communications minister, concurred with Chaudhry, saying that the mishandling of the case provided the opposition an opportunity to criticise the government.



Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari asked why there was no video footage of ANF recovering drugs from Sanaullah.

Housing minister Tariq Bashir Cheema wondered why the negligence was showed in such a high profile case involving a former Punjab law minister.

Maj Gen Arif responded that the ANF did not have any political affiliation, and the force took action on the basis of evidence only. “The ANF is an independent institution and will continue its work in accordance with the law,” he said.

“We have irrefutable proof against Rana Sanaullah. A strong case has been prepared and everything will come to the light once the trial starts,” he added.

The prime minister directed the ANF to proceed the case in accordance with the law.

“The government stands by the law,” the prime minister said. “The ANF is fighting against smugglers and the enemies of the nation. The ANF must increase its capability and the government would provide all possible assistance.”