PESHAWAR: A member of the PTI’s Accountability Committee, Qazi Anwar, has released a report clearing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati of allegations, while pinning responsibility on Senator Azam Khan Swati and the country’s “establishment” for the controversy.
The 7-page report states that Azam Swati launched a public campaign against Speaker Babar Saleem Swati after his release from Attock Jail, making serious accusations. The Speaker then requested an independent probe, prompting the committee to seek evidence from Azam Swati, who submitted a booklet. However, Qazi Anwar concluded that Azam’s allegations lacked credibility, noting a “shift” in his stance toward the establishment post-jail. Before his incarceration, Azam had been critical of the establishment, but his tone changed afterward, the report claims.
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The report explores why the establishment allegedly opposes Babar Saleem Swati. It cites two key incidents.
On November 26, security forces reportedly fired on protesters, killing innocent civilians. As Speaker, Babar Saleem Swati strongly condemned the incident in the KP Assembly, sparking debates and leading to a unanimous condemnation resolution. This rare move by a Speaker allegedly triggered a backlash from the establishment.
A drone strike in Katling killed 11 women and children. While provincial authorities claimed terrorists were targeted, PTI leaders, including Babar Saleem Swati, condemned the attack, further straining ties with the establishment.
Qazi Anwar’s report asserts that Babar Saleem Swati became a target due to his vocal criticism of these incidents. It concludes by stating, “I am confident all PTI members will agree I have fulfilled my duty responsibly.”
The findings highlight ongoing tensions within PTI and between provincial leaders and federal institutions.
