• PM said Rana Sanaullah’s acquittal in drugs case proves his innocence
• He said the case was worst example of political victimization
• He said all PML-N leaders targeted by Imran’s regime

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the acquittal of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah in the narcotics case proves that the previous government carried out the “worst” political victimization.

The prime minister said Rana Sanaullah’s acquittal by a special court in Lahore prove his innocence and those who used to swear should seek forgiveness.

“The frivolous case of narcotics against Rana Sanaullah is the worst example of political victimization. Despite facing political victimization, Rana Sanaullah never uttered a word of complaint,” the prime minister said.

He said the time has come to draw a clear line between truth and falsehood, genuine and forged, and innocent and sinful. He paid homage to the party leaders including Rana Sanaullah and leaders of other political parties for boldly facing the “worst” political victimization.”

“The frivolous narcotics case against Rana Sanaullah and his acquittal is also an example to make the people know lies told by the previous government and the committed baseless incrimination,” he added.

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Of all PML-N leaders targeted by Niazi regime, Rana Sanaullah’s case was worst example of political persecution with the most dangerous repercussions. He braved these heinous charges & repression with patience & remained steadfast. He is an inspiration for all political workers.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 10, 2022

Separately on his Twitter handle, the prime minister said that of all PML-N leaders targeted by Imran regime, Rana Sanaullah’s case was the worst example of political persecution with the most dangerous repercussions.

“He braved these heinous charges & repression with patience & remained steadfast. He is an inspiration for all political workers,” he posted in a tweet.

A special court for narcotics control acquitted Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah in a 15-kg drug recovery case registered during the previous government tenure in 2019.

The court also acquitted five co-accused – Usman Ahmad, Muhammad Akram, Sibtain Haider, Amir Rustam and Umer Farooq  – in the case. Presiding Judge Muhammad Naeem passed the orders while allowing an acquittal application filed by Rana Sanaullah and the co-accused.

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Court acquits Rana Sanaullah in drugs case

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah acquitted in drugs recovery case Rana Sanaullah had...

During the proceedings, two key witnesses, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Assistant Director Imtiaz Ahmed and Inspector Ehsaan Azam, appeared before the court and rejected the allegations against Rana Sanaullah and the accused. They stated that no drugs were recovered in their presence.

The witnesses also submitted affidavits signed by two prosecutors present in the court. The defence counsel said the prosecution had no case to prove after retraction of the key witnesses. Subsequently, the court, acquitted all the accused.

On July 1, 2019, the ANF officials arrested Rana Sanaullah from Islamabad-Lahore Motorway while he was traveling from Faisalabad to Lahore.

The ANF had registered an FIR against the PML-N leader and alleged recovering 15-kilogram heroin and other drugs from his car. The Lahore High Court had granted bail to Rana Sanaullah in the case.