‘Defamatory’ remarks: FIA summons PTI leader Shandana

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Cyber Crime Circle, in Lahore has summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Shandana Gulzar for questioning on March 14.

According to a letter obtained by The News, the summons was issued in response to allegations against Gulzar for making defamatory remarks against the state and government figures and allegedly inciting people to rebellion through her social media posts.

Gulzar stands accused of implicating Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in an audio leak scandal, referring to a deceased PTI worker, Zille Shah.

These accusations against Gulzar were lodged by PMLN activist Shoaib Mirza, who filed an application alleging her involvement in defamatory activities against government officials and institutions.

The FIA Cyber Crime Circle has acknowledged these allegations and has summoned Shandana Gulzar for questioning on March 14 to conduct further inquiries into the matter.

Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari had also commented on the case, saying that safeguarding the sanctity of the assembly was the duty of every member. “Shandana Gulzar is insulting Pakistan. These are the actions of PTI’s political vultures,” she remarked while addressing the media.

Bukhari emphasized that the PTI had a history of politicising tragic events and demanded an end to such actions. She further demanded evidence supporting Shandana’s allegations against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. “An application for the registration of an FIR against Shandana Gulzar has been submitted. Now, neither the woman card nor the political card will be allowed to be played,” she explained.

Azma Bukhari asserted that those spreading false propaganda will face the consequences. “If anyone speaks ill about the chief minister of Punjab, they must provide evidence; otherwise, they will not be spared,” she cautioned.

She criticized PTI leaders, labelling them as political opportunists who exploit tragedies, emphasizing that it was not the stance of PMLN to politicise such events.

The minister demanded that Shandana Gulzar present evidence of the alleged audio implicating Maryam Nawaz. She mentioned that an application had been lodged with the FIA against Shandana Gulzar and asserted that she would not escape accountability. Bukhari insisted that Gulzar must produce the alleged audio involving Maryam Nawaz or face legal repercussions.

Regarding the Zille Shah case, Bokhari claimed that the deceased PTI worker was allegedly crushed by his party members. She revealed that Zille Shah used to spend his days waiting in a tent to meet Imran Khan. Bukhari declared that the woman card would no longer shield anyone from inquiry, emphasizing that proof must be provided for allegations, or else the law will take its course.

She mentioned the ongoing presidential election in Pakistan and stressed the need for maintaining decorum in assemblies, warning against political vendettas and misuse of gender cards. Addressing accusations of political revenge, Bukhari emphasised the importance of stringent defamation laws, asserting that the PMLN will adopt a zero-tolerance policy.

She criticised Yasmeen Rashid for allegedly attempting to cover up the incident and accused her of playing the “cancer card” to deflect criticism. She reaffirmed the PMLN’s commitment to the Charter of Democracy and vowed not to let it be used against each other.

Regarding the Ramazan package, Bokhari announced its launch on the first of Ramazan, promising further details soon.

She also voiced support for Maulana Fazlur Rehman, alleging stolen votes in KP and questioned the nomination of Ali Amin Gandapur as chief minister. The minister highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s initiatives in healthcare, saying that the health card introduced by the PTI in Punjab was inspired by his earlier efforts.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and MNA Sher Afzal Marwat claimed that he could be killed any time, as assassins had been hired.

Talking to the media along with PTI leaders outside the Parliament House, initially, Marwat claimed that a big political figure of the country had planned to kill him through Indian citizen Jindal. When asked if he was the same person who had met Nawaz Sharif, he replied in the affirmative.

PTI’s outspoken legislator explained that at first, in South Africa and then in Dubai, the contractor hired the assassins and $0.1 million had been paid. Marwat continued to say that the evidence shared by his PTI MNA colleague suggested that he was the target of assassins.

He pointed out that the matter was discussed with Omar Ayub Khan and it was decided to be shared with the media today (Saturday). “We are giving this statement with full responsibility. As per the evidence, the conversation, the personality that has emerged is of Maryam Nawaz. At her behest, this is being done,” he alleged.

Marwat said if anyone says that the allegation is wrong, he is ready to share the evidence with FIA, which should investigate the matter.

“I say to Maryam Bibi that we are victim of tribal enmities but she must remember one thing that politics is being taken to that extent, then it is rightly expected from you, given the fact of your wealth, arrogance of power and rule and the institutions being under you,” he said.

He also said that Maryam must remember that in their tribal system, enmities keep on haunting for long whether or not he survives. Asked what the reason of this could be, he advised the reporter to better ask her.

Meanwhile, Ataullah Tarar of PMLN, talking in Naya Pakistan, said on Saturday that Sher Afzal Marwat had hurled allegations against Maryam Nawaz without any proof. He said serious consulations are going on in this regard and Marwat should produce proof of his charge before FIA. Attempts for cheap publicity and TikTok lies will damage Pakistan, he added.