Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, on Wednesday issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that anyone participating in protests would be taken into custody.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme Red Line with Talat Hussain, the senior PML-N leader stressed that Pakistan is on the path to progress and development, and that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent any attempts at destabilisation.
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Responding to PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja’s remarks—where he claimed that Imran Khan’s sons have the right to lead the movement—Sanaullah expressed skepticism, doubting whether the British government would allow such actions.
He dismissed PTI’s claims of holding peaceful protests, asserting, “They talk about peaceful demonstrations, but they have no understanding of how to conduct one.”
Sanaullah noted that the Prime Minister had already extended an invitation to PTI for dialogue, even offering to meet them in the Speaker’s chamber if needed.
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Commenting on reports that the PTI founder is being held in a “6 by 8” cell, Sanaullah said the claims were misleading. “Prison is prison. Anyone in custody is, by definition, under confinement,” he stated.
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He further warned that if PTI attempted violent protests, the government would intervene. “How can a protest movement be led from behind bars? Anyone maintaining contact with him will face consequences,” he cautioned.
Describing the protest plans as “foolish,” Sanaullah said the current situation does not support such actions. Referring to the failed call for a remittance boycott, he said it should serve as a warning. “Some gatherings might occur under the KP government’s influence, but elsewhere, no significant turnout is expected.”
Separately, earlier in the day, Sanaullah met with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad. Federal Minister Amir Muqam also attended the meeting, along with Akram Khan Durrani, Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, and Maulana Asad Mehmood.
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The discussion focused on the country’s political climate, particularly the upcoming Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Sanaullah emphasized that the PML-N maintains regular consultations with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who advocates for dialogue and mutual understanding.