Retired army officer to lead PTI govt’s commission to probe ‘threat letter’: Fawad Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Law Fawad Chaudhry said Friday that Lieutenant General (retd) Tariq Khan will probe the “threat letter” — sent allegedly from the United States.

In a post-cabinet meeting press conference, the information minister said the commission would present its report within 90 days after it investigates how many dissident MPs were in contact with foreign powers.

“We have evidence of eight dissident MPAs being in contact with foreign dignitaries,” Fawad said, adding: “The commission will look at a connection between local handlers and regime change.”

The commission was formed after the Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s move to dissolve parliament was unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers to return — a decision that could spell the end of his premiership.

The former cricket star had moved to break up the lower chamber ahead of a no-confidence vote against him that he had looked destined to lose. The court said in its judgment that the vote should now go ahead.

“The advice tendered by the Prime Minister on or about 03.04.2022 to the President to dissolve the Assembly was contrary to the Constitution and of no legal effect,” Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial said, as he read out a 13-point order to a packed courtroom.

Dozens of Opposition members outside the imposing white stone building shouted in jubilation when the unanimous ruling was announced. Angry Khan supporters chanted anti-American slogans in reply as police in riot gear separated the sides.

Read more: PM Imran Khan launches PEHEL-911 for integrated emergency relief services