Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif during his meeting with senior party leaders in London issued instructions on how to handle the PTI’s planned march to Islamabad, a private TV channel reported. Speaking to the media alongside other party leaders after the meeting, Sanaullah said, “Mian Nawaz Sharif guided us on the anarchy [the PTI wants to commit] and the people they plan to gather in Islamabad.
But because this is a coalition government, we will put this matter (the march) in the cabinet and if it is decided that we can’t allow them to come [to Islamabad] then forget two million, not even 20 people will come.” Sanaullah lashed out at the PTI, saying that its chairman Imran Khan would not be allowed to spread “anarchy” in the country and there would be “zero tolerance” shown to the violators of the Constitution.
When questioned if Imran would be arrested for allegedly likening the army chief with “Mir Jafar”, Sanaullah said all legal requirements would be fulfilled and if an arrest was warranted then it would be made. The interior minister also addressed the Inter-Services Public Relations’ statement, which took exception to the “imprudent comments” made by the country’s senior politicians against Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, and said the PML-N and Nawaz’s struggle was for the same purpose that “institutions don’t take part in politics and aren’t dragged into politics”.
“We are very inspired that the judiciary and other institutions [are staying away from] the politics. Comments being made against them is wrong and we will defend them,” Sanaullah said.
Questioned whether corruption cases would be filed against the PTI, he said: “Cases are a very small matter. [Instead], their filth will be exposed. What they’ve done in these past 3.5 years with the people will be brought to light.”
The interior minister said the meeting had discussed early elections as well and the decision at the moment was for the government to complete its term, but, he said, “this decision is not in the hands of the PML-N but the forum of our allied parties’ leaders.”
He admitted that the PML-N earlier had a “clear stance” for early elections but this decision was not it’s to take alone now. Sanaullah said electoral reforms would be done and some way of representation for overseas Pakistanis would be found as well.
Questioned on the PML-N supremo’s return to Pakistan, Sanaullah said Nawaz would go back “at any cost” and wanted to as well.
