Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday that PTI founder Imran Khan is in Adiala Jail and that his health is good and he is safe. Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme Nadeem Malik Live, Sanaullah said that while the law allows a prisoner to meet lawyers and family members, no law allows a prisoner to run a political movement from behind bars. He added that prisoners cannot call for agitation or violence, and any restrictions on Imran Khan’s meetings must have been placed by the jail authorities for this reason.
He said jail officials must have reported that such discussions were taking place during meetings. Sanaullah added that he did not know exactly who imposed the restrictions but insisted that Imran Khan had damaged political culture in the country by promoting hatred and abusive language. According to him, politics in Pakistan had never been in such a state before.
Speaking about political gatherings, he noted that Jamaat-e-Islami was allowed to hold a Palestine march in Islamabad, while another religious party was stopped from entering the capital. He said permission was given where appropriate and denied where needed for security reasons.
Sanaullah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited all political parties, including PTI, to hold a dialogue under a proposed “Misaq-e-Istehkam” for Pakistan’s stability. He said that once all parties come to the table, a constructive environment can be created. He urged PTI to participate in talks and begin the process by first holding an internal meeting with Imran Khan.
He repeated that Imran Khan is being kept safely in Adiala Jail, is receiving all necessary facilities, and is in good health. Referring to past events, Sanaullah said the government did not take any action on November 26 this year, but reminded that last year PTI had been asked to proceed to Sangjani instead of entering Islamabad. He questioned whether security forces should remain passive if someone tries to enter the capital with weapons or threatens law enforcement officials.
Sanaullah stated that no one can expect flowers in response if they fire at police. He claimed PTI workers carried weapons during the protest on November 26 last year. He also remarked that if Mehmood Achakzai were to sit with the government, PTI would oppose him.
