Imran Khan’s Release
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, made predictions on Tuesday regarding the potential release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan from jail by June 27.
Despite this forecast, Sanaullah emphasized the government’s commitment to prolonging Khan’s detention, citing concerns over his alleged agenda to foment chaos and disorder.
In his remarks to a private TV channel, Sanaullah characterized Imran Khan’s message as one of “chaos and anarchy,” asserting that in a democratic framework, dialogue remains the sole viable option for resolving differences.
However, he underscored that any meaningful negotiations hinge upon Khan abandoning what he described as a disruptive stance.
While expressing readiness for dialogue under favorable circumstances, Sanaullah reiterated the government’s stance of responding firmly to actions that could destabilize the country. He affirmed, “Our response will mirror his actions. We are prepared to engage in talks whenever the opportunity arises.”
Critically, Sanaullah criticized Imran Khan for what he portrayed as a disregard for democratic principles, asserting that no individual possesses the mandate to jeopardize national interests.
He assured that Khan’s detention would be maintained within the bounds of legal provisions, hinting at the possibility of initiating legal actions and conducting investigations as warranted.
Addressing queries regarding parliamentary seats, Sanaullah clarified that entitlements to specific seats are governed by law, suggesting openness to amendments to the Election Act if deemed necessary.
On internal party dynamics, Sanaullah disclosed that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif consults with Nawaz Sharif on every decision, refuting claims of a meeting between Nawaz Sharif and former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during the no-confidence motion. He dismissed such assertions as speculative and erroneous.
Regarding interactions between Shehbaz Sharif and General Bajwa during the latter’s tenure, Sanaullah acknowledged routine meetings between political leaders and members of the establishment, emphasizing their integral role in national affairs.
In conclusion, Sanaullah’s statements underscored the government’s dual approach of asserting legal measures to maintain stability while expressing conditional openness to dialogue, reflecting ongoing political strategies amidst evolving circumstances.
