Special body demanded to probe PTI funding

Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday asked National Assembly (NA) Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to constitute a special parliamentary committee to probe the allegations of foreign funding on former premier Imran Khan.

Speaking on a point of order in the House, Ayaz emphasised that the committee should have representation of both the opposition and government members in the NA.

"Former Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Bashir Memon should be summoned to brief the committee about the allegations and proceedings of the committee should be broadcast live so that the people could know about the corruption of former prime minister Imran Khan," he added.

The panel should highlight the individuals who donated the money to PTI, he suggested and went on to call for another joint parliamentary body to investigate the "criminal aspect" of foreign funding after seeking a report from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The main character in foreign funding Arif Naqvi,a Pakistani businessman, who was the founder and chief executive of the Dubai-based private equity firm. The Abraaj Group, would be extradited to the United States for probe.

The committee should formulate a policy as to what to do if the US demands extradition of Imran Khan following the investigations from Arif Naqvi.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the NA Raja Riaz Ahmed, speaking on the floor, announced that he was ready to tender his resignation if PTI chief Imran Khan on the condition that PTI chief Imran Khan returns to the National Assembly.

Mr Ahmed, a PTI dissident, slammed Mr Khan and pointed out that now that the resignations of 11 members of the PTI were accepted, the party challenged the decision in the Islamabad High Court IHC).

He further demanded said that Imran accounts for the alleged corruption committed by Nadeem Babar and Farah Khan. "If Imran Khan comes to the House, then I am ready to resign."

"I did not vote against Imran Khan, only his allies abandoned him. I am still a part of the PTI," he claimed.
Later, speak on the point of order, the opposition leader urged the federal government to distribute compensation money amongst those affected by the recent flash floods and torrential rains across the country.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently visiting Balochistan, should direct to expedite relief activities.

MNA Malik Afreen Khan stressed the need for declaring Kohistan calamity hit areas.
He regretted over the lack of basic facilities, including food and water, being provided to the victims of the recent flooding.

Afreen urged the government to ensure medical facilities for the flood-affected people.