Pressure on Rana Sanaullah mounts as 15 lawmakers threaten to resign

News Analysis |

Pir Hameedudin Sialvi, the custodian of Dargah Sial Shareef, has announced his dissociation with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N). While addressing the press conference on Wednesday, Pir Sialvi claimed that fifteen legislators (including national and provisional members) are with him and are ready to resign at his behest.

His announcement of ending the support for the ruling party has come amid the failure of the government to adhere to the demand for resignation of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah. Pir Sialvi in his press conference said that since the minister had not tendered his resignation until the deadline given, his followers will not support the PML-N in the next general elections and 15- legislators will resign.

The incumbent provincial law minister has sustained the pressure thus far and decided not to appear in Sial Sharif. Going forward, he may have to bow down to demands and render an apology.

The custodian of the Dargah Sial Shareef said, “We will not grant the government further time to make Rana Sanaullah resign”. He added that these National and Provincial Assembly members will resign at the Khatm-e-Nabuwat Conference taking place in Dhobi Ghat, Faisalabad on December 10.

Moreover, he claimed that the application for holding a rally is submitted in Faisalabad and the demand for the resignation of Punjab’s Law Minister is final. Earlier, the leader of the Astana-e-Aalia had surprisingly announced having the written resignation of over a dozen lawmakers that are to be submitted to the respective assemblies unless their demands are not fulfilled.

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Pir Sialvi had categorically demanded the resignation of the incumbent provisional Law Minister. Other than his resignation, he had presented some conditions including the clarification of his position on the Ahmedi issue, and the recitation of Kalma Sharif in public to demonstrate his true allegiances and association with Islam.

PML-N leader Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Zaeem Qadri had paid a visit to Dargah Sial Shareef on behalf of the provincial government. His video remarks became viral on social media where he was seen showing utmost humility and concern to resolve the issue.  The PML-N leader had assured that the Law Minister would come and after explaining his position on the matter, he will offer his resignation on November 28th.

Rana Sanaullah issued a statement and clarified his stance. He said that he had submitted his resignation to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and he will make a final decision on his ministerial relinquishment.

Zaeem Qadri was able to soften the stance of the Pir Sialvi, and the first deadline of December 1st was delayed, and a new date of December 3rd was issued, and Rana Sanaullah was asked again to visit the Shrine with resignation. 

Despite the continuous rhetoric, the minister who is under severe pressure did not take any step to resolve the issue. Though, he claimed a misunderstanding had occurred due to some people in the close circles of Pir Sialvi.

The current situation has left the government in limbo. It has been unable to make a decisive move thus far. Nevertheless Rana Sanaullah had promised to address the reservations of the concerns soon. 

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On December 2^nd, after the first extension in the date for resignation, while talking to a private channel, Rana Sanaullah issued a statement and clarified his stance. He said that he had submitted his resignation to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and he will make a final decision on his ministerial relinquishment.

The leader of the Astana-e-Aalia had surprisingly announced having the written resignation of over a dozen lawmakers that are to be submitted to the respective assemblies unless their demands are not fulfilled.

His comments generated quite a stir in the opposite camp and CM Shahbaz had to intervene. On December 3rd, Pir Sialivi had decided to postpone his demand after having a telephonic conversation with the Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both the parties had shown interest to conclude the matter by conducting a dialogue. The deadline was again extended for two days.

After no meaningful and constructive engagement with the government, Pir Sialvi has decided to exert more pressure on the government and announced the resignation date. The MNA’s in question appears to have a deep-rooted association with the Sial Sharif and have apparently declared their unwavering support for Pir Sialvi.

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Under immense pressure, Rana Sanuualh remains defiant and is yet to decide on his future in the wake of continuous attacks from the opposition and religious parties. Pakistan Tehrek-e Insaf (PTI) has also demanded the resignation after the publication of Justice Baqar Najafi’s report on the 2014 Model Town incident. The incumbent provincial law minister has sustained the pressure thus far and decided not to appear in Sial Sharif. Going forward, he may have to bow down to demands and render an apology with a clarification to continue his work as the law minister of Punjab.