Swati, who was arrested on October 13 in a case registered against him over a controversial tweet and is now on bail, has claimed that has been subjected to custodial torture.
Swati began the press conference today by referring to an earlier media talk, where he recalled saying that neither had he committed any corruption nor anybody, including “powerful circles”, had any “immoral videos” featuring him.
“I was completely wrong,” he said as he accused elements within the establishment for his ordeal.
Swati told media persons that his wife called him from Islamabad at around 9pm last night. She kept on shouting and crying, he said, adding that he then had to ask his daughter to speak to his wife and inquire what was the matter.
On her insistence, he continued, his wife revealed that someone had sent her a video of him from an unknown number. “Because the daughters and granddaughters of my country are listening, I cannot say any further.”
The senator went on to say that his daughter, while crying, revealed to him that the video featured his wife as well.
“I asked her how is it possible,” the senator said, bursting into tears. He added that his daughter also told him that the video was from when Swati and his wife had visited Quetta.
Swati further said that he explained to his daughter that her mother doesn’t understand that he sleeps at 9 PM and wakes up early morning for prayers.
He added that his daughter kept weeping on the other side of the phone and said, “Daddy, this video isn’t of anyone else.. it is yours and my mother’s...I told her how is this possible."
“I have spent my entire life with her. She doesn’t know that a few days ago, on the morning of October 13, when I was picked up by these cruel people, they made a video of me. These days it isn’t difficult to…. make a fake video.”
Earlier, speaking of his 'custodial torture', Swati appeared before the Supreme Court's (SC) human rights cell and stated his honor had been ripped apart and he was living like a "breathing corpse”.
Talking to media outside the apex court, Swati said, “I live and die every day. Arshad Sharif has been martyred, why was I left alive?”
The senator got emotionally overwhelmed during the talk, stating that he has been unable to sleep. "Every time I fall asleep, I wake up 15 minutes later," the PTI senator said, adding that he will not give up until those who did wrong to him are brought to justice.
“My honour was shattered in a blow. I ask, is a tweet my only crime?” he said.
Swati was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Authority's (FIA) cybercrime unit on October 13 for allegedly making ‘controversial claims’ against state institutions, including the army chief.
Almost 10 days later, a district and sessions court in Islamabad granted Swati post-arrest bail against a surety bond worth Rs1 million.
On November 1, the PTI senator detailed the “torture” he was allegedly subjected to in the custody of FIA and called on Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, the FIA rejected the allegations on October 18 that said that the PTI senator was subjected to torture and humiliation in custody, saying the “dignity of the lawmaker was ensured during the entire legal process”.
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