Petitioner challenges parliamentary body probing Gulalai's allegations

ISLAMABAD: A lawyer on Tuesday challenged the constitution of a parliamentary committee to probe into MNA Ayesha Gulalai's harassment allegations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

Riaz Hanif filed a petition against the committee in Islamabad High Court, naming National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Gulalai, Imran and Islamabad Inspector General of Police respondents.

The petition alleges that the parliamentary committee formed to probe into the matter is based on ill intentions, and will result in the waste of money and time.

"The National Assembly was formed for lawmaking and discussing matters of national interest," the petition states. "The PM deviated from the powers vested in him by the state by forming this committee."

Hanif further stated that the order to provide security to Gulalai is wrong as she levelled allegations but did not disclose the language used in the messages.

The case will be taken up by Justice Aamer Farooq tomorrow (Wednesday). 

Gulalai's allegations

Gulalai on August 3 claimed that Imran Khan had sent inappropriate messages to her and hinted at tying the knot in the texts.

She claimed to have informed her father that Khan had asked her to meet him alone and took her father and brother along with her to meet the PTI chief which irked him.

Gulalai also said her father asked Khan about his intentions but he dodged the question.

"I am ready to sit in front of Imran and can confront him on the obnoxious messages that he sent. He put me through mental torture and pain," said Gulalai.

As per Gulalai, Khan first sent inappropriate messages to her in 2013.

Will not resign from seat: Gulalai 

The former PTI member addressed a session of the National Assembly on Monday and said she will not resign from her seat in the assembly, amid ruckus created from PTI benches.

Gulalai, addressing the assembly after taking permission from the deputy speaker, said that she was elected on merit and would continue her duties as a lawmaker.

“Imran is not a deity that he cannot be criticised; character is important,” said Gulalai over noise created by PTI lawmakers.

She further said that allegations were hurled at her family and she received death and acid attack threats.

PM directs 24-hour protection for Gulalai

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday directed the Islamabad inspector general of police to provide 24-hour protection to Gulalai.

PM Abbasi said he made the decision after seeing news reports of threats against Gulalai. "Have never seen such happenings in my 30-year political career," said Abbasi.

Speaking in the assembly, the prime minister said he respects both the accuser [Gulalai] as well as the person against whom the allegations are being levelled [Imran], adding that an in-camera parliamentary inquiry committee should probe the issue.