Punjab Minister Sumsaam Bukhari says leaked call is dubbed, edited

Minister for Consolidation of Holding, Syed Sumsaam Bukhari has said that his leaked call in which he can be heard talking to deputy DHO Renala Kurd has been dubbed and edited in a case of local mischief by his political opponents.

In the call, Mr. Bukhari asks Dr. Ehsan Elahi why he is not releasing the body of his close friend and constituent, Mohammad Anwar since the deceased’s family had to make funeral arrangements. Dr. Elahi tells Mr. Bukhari that the body cannot be released since the deceased was an alleged COVID patient.

Mr. Bukhari clarified the fact that the patient died of typhoid and Parkinson’s not COVID-19 but Dr. Elahi insisted on keeping the body. In an exclusive conversation with Baaghi TV, Syed Sumsaam Bukhari said, “The leaked call is 50-60% correct but the rest is dubbed and edited. I accept that I said don’t do politics over dead bodies but afterwards the threats and calls to another person are edited and dubbed. If I was talking to someone to make a complaint, why can’t we hear them speak?’

Dr. Ehsan Elahi has also released a video statement in the aftermath of this controversy. He says, “My name is Dr. Ehsan Elahi, I am serving as Deputy DHO, Renala Kurd, District Okara. I want to clarify an audio clip. Between 9th and 10th June, there was a misunderstanding between Syed Sumsaam Bukhari and myself which has now been resolved.”

“This matter was resolved amicably and I am continuing to serve on my post. The leaked audio clip has been recorded without my knowledge and has been edited and taken completely out of context.”

In response to Dr. Elahi’s statement, Mr. Bukhari told this correspondent that his call was recorded without his permission which falls in the ambit of cybercrime. He also mentioned that the real reason behind this controversy was the fact that the doctor was a political opponent of the deceased and was trying to do politics over dead bodies.

“It is unfortunate that this incident happened but I will continue to serve my constituents regardless of these tactics. In rural areas, our people rely on us to help them whenever they need us.”

Bukhari demanded clarity as to who exactly leaked his call. He mentioned that when he became Punjab Information Minister, there were some people who were not happy with him.

“I have no grudge against a person and neither have I made any complaints. Dr. Elahi has not been suspended or transferred even for a single day.”