PML-N senator hints Pakistani politicians dabbling in drugs

It may be cold in Islamabad but the political temperature is nearing boiling point, as a war of words between politicians surpassed the high point reached the day before. On Tuesday, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Mushahidullah Khan said that a person’s reputation is not tarnished by liquor alone, but with the consumption of drugs like cocaine as well.

The PML-N Senator was speaking to a private news channel when he made these comments, apparently aimed at rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

“One pinch of cocaine is worth Rs 35,000,” the senator said. “There’s a leader who consumes three pinches equivalent to Rs 105,000 in a day.”

During Tuesday’s Senate committee session, the debate revolved around alcohol and drug consumption.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Senator Hammdullah Khan said that empty liquor bottles had been on the premises of Parliament Lodges.

“Children ask where these bottles come from,” he said.

This is not the first time that the PML-N senator has made such allegations against Imran Khan. Earlier, during Imran’s Khan anti-government campaign in November, Mushahidullah debunked Imran Khan’s allegation that the Islamabad police had barred PTI activists from bringing food to his residence.

The PML-N senator had stated: “The government does not allow cocaine into the PTI chief`s residence, but there are no other restrictions on food items.”

The comments of the PML-N leader also come in the backdrop of Awami National Party (ANP) leader Shahi Syed’s statements on liquor, who suggested the death penalty for politicians who consume alcohol.

Meanwhile, adding to the debate, Senator Rehman Malik had demanded a mandatory DNA test for politicians.

“Parliamentarians represent the people and if they are not punished for doing wrong then why should poor people be?” Rehman Malik had asked during a session of Senate Standing Committee on Interior.

Consuming and selling liquor is prohibited for Muslims in Pakistan, although others may be allowed to sell through licensed liquor stores.