ISLAMABAD, Feb 6: Rape victim-turned-social activist Mukhtar Mai has accused Federal Minister for Defence Production Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi of pressurising her to drop charges against 13 accused of Mastoi tribe involved in the gang-rape and demanded the government to take action against him for interfering in sub-judice matter.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, she said the minister called his uncle Ghulam Hussain and insisted him to drop the charges, otherwise, he threatened, he and his associates would not let the Supreme Court’s decision go in her favour.

She said the government should ensure that her case proceeds in the apex court without any political pressure or influence, adding that the minister should be held accountable for his interference.

She said the minister’s interference showed that the perpetrators were using their political influence to bring pressure to bear on the Supreme Court.

“This has added threats to my life as well as of my family and colleagues and I fear that anything could happen and anyone can be used against me”, she said.

“I reiterate loudly that I did not give up to the powerful and stood for my right to get justice .”