Rana Sanaullah has rejected calls for Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to resign over the alleged foreign women assault case, describing the demand as completely baseless. Speaking on a television programme, he claimed that some individuals were deliberately attempting to connect Ishaq Dar to a criminal case in which he has no involvement.
According to Sanaullah, the case is being unnecessarily exaggerated for political purposes. He said that every individual is responsible for their own actions and that no one should be blamed without evidence. He further stated that the ongoing investigation has gathered sufficient material to move the case forward through the legal process.
The adviser also confirmed that the Section 164 statements of the two foreign women have already been recorded before a magistrate. He explained that these statements are considered strong legal evidence and can play a significant role during the trial. Sanaullah added that if the court requires it, the women can be asked to return to Pakistan to testify.
Meanwhile, Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the police to investigate the matter strictly on merit. He assured that anyone found guilty would face punishment regardless of their political background or family connections.
Police officials said the two foreign women, a Spanish and a Dutch national, arrived in Lahore on June 29. Investigators traced the suspects by using Safe City cameras, mobile phone records, vehicle tracking, and other digital evidence. Four suspects were arrested on July 2 after police identified their locations.
According to the police, the women were eventually rescued near Bhatta Chowk after escaping from a vehicle following an accident. Officials rejected reports claiming that the women reached safety on their own, saying their statements confirmed that Punjab Police carried out the rescue.
The investigation is continuing, while authorities insist that the case will proceed according to the law without political influence. Officials have also confirmed that the legal process has been completed and that the women were allowed to leave Pakistan after their statements and medical examinations were finished.
