LAHORE: After Wikileaks’ revelation that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif tipped off Jamaatud Dawa (JD), a banned militant outfit, about expected UN sanctions well before time which helped JD empty its bank accounts, a big question mark has been put on the credibility of the Punjab government.
The Punjab government is already in hot waters due to its soft corner for extremist organisations and disclosure by WikiLeaks has strengthened the growing belief that there are close relations between the Punjab government and defunct militant outfits.
Various religious parties have also blasted Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah for his deep connection with banned extremist outfits. They have also demanded his resignation. Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Haji Fazl-e-Karim has repeatedly criticised Sanaullah for his friendly ties and continual interaction with banned outfits.
Shia clerics have also trumpeted the same demand after Sanaullah was spotted meeting officials of Sipa Sahaba, another banned organisation in Jhang during by-election and later blasts at Karbala Gamey Shah.
Punjab government’s spokesman, Pervaiz Rasheed, called the allegations baseless. PML-N central information secretary Ahsan Iqbal said “Use of diplomatic forum to obtain personal political gains is highly objectionable and as well regrettable.”
He was pointing towards President Asif Ali Zardari, who according to WikiLeaks, had discussed a liaison between JD and the PML-N with then American ambassador in Pakistan Anne W Patterson. Various stories splashed in the past suggest the Punjab government love for JD was not hidden. According to the 2010-11 budget documents, Shahbaz, using his discretionary powers, sanctioned two separate grants of around Rs 79.77 million to the banned JD.
He also granted Rs 3 million to Maulana Zahid Qasmi of the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and his brothers from Faisalabad for the repair of their houses destroyed in sectarian clash in Faisalabad. The Punjab government, led by the PML-N, known as a rightist political party, also softened a ban on militant organisations recently barred by the Interior Ministry to work for collecting hides and raise funds on Eidul Azha.
