‘Spotless Life’: Raja Pervez Ashraf rejects drug nexus allegations, offers himself for probe

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday strongly rejected allegations linking him to an alleged drug trafficking network, insisting he had lived a “spotless life” and was ready to face any investigation.

The controversy erupted after a video circulating on social media appeared to show alleged drug baroness Anmol alias Pinky mentioning the name “Raja Pervez” during a court appearance before police officers drowned out her voice. However, another video later surfaced in which her lawyer claimed she was being pressured to name certain politicians.

Addressing the National Assembly, Ashraf said he initially believed the suspect might have been referring to someone else. “When I heard the name, I thought perhaps it was another Raja Pervez Ashraf,” he remarked.

The PPP stalwart noted that shortly after the clip went viral, social media users began circulating comments and video blogs linking him to the allegations. He thanked his family, political colleagues and even opposition lawmakers for standing by him and defending his reputation.

“I have led a spotless life. I have served as former prime minister and former speaker of the National Assembly,” Ashraf told the house, while offering himself for any inquiry into the matter.

He suggested the suspect may have named public figures to divert attention from her own case and warned against what he described as the growing trend of “media trials” before investigations are completed.

Calling for legislation to regulate commentary during ongoing investigations, Ashraf said innocent individuals and their families should not be subjected to mental distress because of unverified accusations spread through social media and electronic media platforms.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq termed the spread of drugs a serious national concern and urged lawmakers to evolve comprehensive legislation to curb the menace, particularly among students in schools, colleges and universities.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also expressed solidarity with Ashraf, dismissing the allegation as “frivolous” and assuring the house that the matter would be investigated at the state level.

Tarar criticised sections of the media for repeatedly airing visuals related to the suspect, saying news organisations must consider “morality, dignity and honour” while reporting sensitive matters. He further said the government would examine why contradictory statements emerged from the suspect’s legal team and vowed to report back to parliament after seeking details from investigators.

The law minister maintained that the entire house stood with Ashraf, warning that similar unverified allegations could target anyone in the future.