ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Raja Pervez Ashraf has strongly denied any association with allegations made during an ongoing drug case involving suspect Anmol alias Pinky, asserting that he has led a spotless life and is willing to face any investigation.
While speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday, he said, “I was shocked after the alleged drug kingpin Anmol, also known as Pinky, mentioned my name during a court hearing.
A video clip surfaced on May 18 in which the alleged drug dealer mentioned my name to divert attention from the case. I have always lived an honest and clean life. I was shocked to hear which Raja Pervez Ashraf she was referring to. She later said she was being forced to make the allegation.”
The former prime minister said that even his political opponents are not ready to accept such allegations. He said, “Mr. Speaker, I request that this matter be referred to the Interior Committee for investigation. It is a big attempt to impose false accusations.”
He requested that such cases not be made public or shared on social media until investigations are complete. He said every Pakistani has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
Ashraf recalled the video in which he was purportedly named. “However, after 30 minutes, her lawyers, in a separate clip, explained that she was being pressured to take my name,” he added.
The PPP leader expressed surprise at having any association with the alleged drug dealer, saying, “When I heard the name, I thought perhaps it was a different Raja Pervez Ashraf.”
“Soon after the video, people started commenting on the incident on social media and making vlogs about it,” Ashraf said, expressing gratitude to his “family, party leaders, and political opposition”, who he said came forward to defend and vouch for his character.
“I have led a spotless life. I have served as a former prime minister and former National Assembly speaker,” he said. He added that the suspect had also taken the name of “another personality,” suggesting this may have been done to “divert attention.”
“I present myself for any probe in this regard,” he added.
Ashraf called for the development of a mechanism to regulate commentary on social media while an investigation is ongoing. The PPP leader said it was unfair to put people and their families under mental stress through such accusations.
“I have faith that a solution can be found,” he said, adding that there should not be a “media trial” of the innocent before proof is established.
As the PPP leader raised the issue, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called on Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to present his point of view.
In his comments, Tarar expressed solidarity with Ashraf, stressing that the accusation was “so frivolous in nature that no one here would ever pay heed to it.”
“The entire House stands with you,” Tarar said, suggesting that the suspect may be attempting to divert attention from her case.
Tarar maintained that the matter would be taken up with the Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, as well as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, vowing that “action will be taken at the state level.”
“Today, it is you,” he said, addressing Ashraf, “tomorrow, it could be any one of us who may not have the grace to handle the situation.”
He assured the House that the ministry would investigate the matter. “The investigating officer will be asked, and I will report back to this House.”
“Raja sahib, we are all aware that you are an honourable person and nothing can damage your reputation,” Tarar told Ashraf. He also urged the Sindh Inspector General of Police to ensure that her court appearances are not televised.
Responding to Ashraf’s remarks, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq questioned Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on whether cybercrime authorities should take action against what he described as false propaganda.
He urged legislators to sit together for detailed discussions on effective legislation to curb such issues.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
