Probe committee rejects Dasti's allegations over 'lack of evidence'
12 March, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The Special Parliamentary Committee probing MNA Jamshed Dasti's claim against fellow parliamentarian that they indulge in "immoral activities" in the Parliament Lodges rejected the allegations due to lack of substantive evidence.
The seven-member special committee comprising members of the National Assembly met under the chairmanship of PML-N's Sheikh Rohial Asghar. It held threadbare discussions on the allegations of Dasti about the "immoral activities" at the Parliament Lodges. Two weeks back, the independent member of the National Assembly from Muzzafargarh dropped a bombshell when, on the floor of House, he alleged that the Parliament Lodges have turned into a "centre of immoral activities" where liquor and charas are supplied and dance parties held.
Jamshed Dasti refused to appear before the committee to prove his allegations but the committee continued its investigation and on Tuesday declared that no credible evidence was presented by Jamshed Dasti to substantiate his claim of immoral activities at the Lodges.
The committee observed that submission of empty liquor bottles by Dasti was not credible evidence to prove his claims. The committee found no evidence in the entry and exit logs maintained at the Lodges and none of the parliamentarians came forward to record their statement, the members observed.
They suggested a mechanism should be evolved to prevent such situation in the future and decided to formulate recommendations in this regard.
The committee will submit its report in the National Assembly shortly. The committee was apprised that non-Muslim lawmakers also lived at the official residential apartments for parliamentarians and were permitted to purchase and consume alcohol.
One of the members of the committee, Khawaja Sohail Mansoor, said such allegations were a result of negligence by the CDA and demanded the resignation of Maroof Afzal, who heads the development authority.
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