LAHORE: Opposition in the Punjab Assembly on Monday ‘grilled’ Law Minister Rana Sanaullah for what it called his ‘highly objectionable’ remarks against the judiciary, establishment and PTI chief Imran Khan.

Mr Sanaullah, unfazed by the criticism, however, clarified that he had referred to the Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid (and not Imran Khan).

The minister had recently said some forces were using the Supreme Court to send Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif packing. He also had opposed extension to the military courts set up in the country under the National Action Plan (NAP).

The Opposition criticised Sanaullah, saying his comments reflected “nervousness” of the PML-N leaders ahead of the possible adverse outcome of the Panamagate case in the apex court.

On the first day of the provincial assembly session, the opposition found it a ‘perfect platform’ to take on Rana Sanaullah as it appeared that it did not want to let the close aide to CM Shahbaz Sharif off the hook over the matter.

As Speaker Rana Iqbal refused to allow Opposition Leader Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed to speak on Panamagate case on a point of order, the other opposition members rose from their seats and started chanting slogans against the PML-N leadership.

Later, on the request of the law minister to let Mr Rasheed speak on the matter as he (Sanaullah) would like to respond to all ‘objections’ raised by the PTI leader, the speaker gave him the permission.

Mr Rasheed pointed out that Mr Sanaullah was of the view that ‘some forces’ which had removed former premier ZA Bhutto were again active to oust Nawaz Sharif. He said Nawaz Sharif grew in the company of those involved in the judicial murder of Bhutto.

“How come he (Nawaz) be under a threat from such forces?” he asked.

Mr Rasheed said Sanaullah’s remarks about the judiciary, establishment and Imran Khan were highly objectionable.

“He did so because he and his party men have realised that the days of Nawaz Sharif are numbered in Panama case,” he said, warning the PML-N leaders against using objectionable language against Imran.

Defending his remarks, Sanaullah reiterated that people would not accept any move to oust political leadership through “non-political and undemocratic ways”.

“We have complete trust in Supreme Court and Panama case will be decided in favour of the PML-N,” he predicted.

He clarified he had referred to those forces which held sit-ins.

“Even politician Javed Hashmi had also referred to them.”

With regard to the language he used about Imran Khan, Sanaullah said: “Sheikh Rashid in the presence of Imran Khan had said more than 10 times that a coffin will come out in the wake of Panama case from the SC. If a coffin is to be taken out, then from every street a coffin will be taken out,” he said.

PTI’s Aslam Iqbal said ‘coffin of corruption’ would come out of the apex court.

Earlier, during the Question Hour, local government minister Manshaullah Butt said the government would launch an anti-encroachment campaign across the province from March. He urged the Opposition to extend full support to the government in this regard.

Published in Dawn January 24th, 2017