Adviser to the prime minister, Rana Sanaullah issued on Wednesday warning to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying that anyone participating in protests will be taken into custody.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme "Red Line with Talat Hussain", the PML-N stalwart emphasised that Pakistan was moving towards prosperity and development, and every possible step will be taken to prevent instability.
Addressing comments made by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, who asserted that the sons of Imran Khan have the right to lead the movement, Sanaullah expressed doubt that the British government would permit them to do so.
He said that th PTI’s previous protests were far from peaceful, even though the party claims otherwise. “They speak of peaceful protests, but they don’t know how to conduct one.”
Sanaullah said that the prime minister had already invited the PTI for talks, even offering to meet them in the Speaker’s chamber if necessary.
Regarding reports about the PTI founder being held in a "6 by 8" cell, Sanaullah said such claims were misleading. “Prison is prison. A person in custody is, by definition, under confinement.”
He warned that if PTI planned violent actions, the government had the authority to intervene. “How can someone lead a protest movement from behind bars? Those who maintain contact with him will face consequences.”
Calling the protest plans “foolish,” he said the prevailing conditions do not support such actions. Referring to the call for a remittance boycott, he pointed out its failure as a warning. “Under the shadow of the KP government, a few gatherings may take place, but elsewhere, no significant turnout will be seen.”
Separately, earlier on Wednesday, Sanaullah held a meeting in Islamabad with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, accompanied by Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Sanaullah discussed current political developments. The meeting was also attended by Akram Khan Durrani, Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, and Maulana Asad Mehmood.
During the meeting, the political situation in the country, particularly the upcoming Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), was discussed. Sanaullah stated that the PML-N regularly consults Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who believes in dialogue and mutual understanding.
