Adviser to the prime minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has barred his party from engaging in negotiations with the government. He made the remarks while speaking on Samaa TV’s programme Mere Sawal with Absar Alam.
Sanaullah alleged that individuals linked to the events of May 8 and 9 could face proceedings in military courts if their involvement is established.
He said that if former ISI chief Faiz Hameed is found to be involved, then others, including Imran Khan, could also come under scrutiny. According to Sanaullah, the likelihood of Faiz Hameed’s involvement was “clear,” which could result in the case being tried in a military court.
He further claimed that Faiz Hameed harboured ambitions of becoming the army chief and interfered in certain matters. Sanaullah alleged that, in his assessment, Faiz Hameed played an influential role in the PTI’s long march as well as the events of May 9. He also questioned who else could be responsible if PTI leadership was not involved in those incidents.
Commenting on current political developments, Sanaullah said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was speaking about protests rather than negotiations. He added that constitutionally, the KP chief minister should attend meetings, but claimed he was doing so “cautiously.”
Referring to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sanaullah said the decision not to attend a recent conference was taken independently and not on government advice. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman makes his own decisions,” he said.
Sanaullah also stated that PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi could still carry talks forward, adding that the government had not blocked dialogue. He reiterated that both the prime minister and the National Assembly speaker had extended invitations to PTI for negotiations.
He concluded by saying that while PTI leaders publicly claim they want talks, Imran Khan himself has stopped the party from engaging in negotiations with the government.
