Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has sharply criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for his recent call for a “do-or-die” protest. In a television interview, Sanaullah accused Khan of mistreating his party workers and supporters by encouraging them to take extreme actions.
Speaking on a private TV, Sanaullah explained that PTI’s call for a “do-or-die” protest was dangerous. He said that when PTI leaders talk about wearing shrouds or offering funeral prayers, it effectively gives a “green light” for law enforcement to take strong action. According to Sanaullah, this type of rhetoric could trigger a crackdown on party workers and supporters.
The PML-N leader suggested that instead of such extreme calls, PTI should adopt a more democratic and peaceful approach to protest. “They should ask for a peaceful rally, not a violent march,” Sanaullah said. He emphasized that any protest should be within the bounds of the law. He also pointed out that the “monopoly on violence” belongs to the state, not any political party.
He questioned whether such a threatening stance, involving marches with shrouds, should be welcomed or ignored. He further stressed that the PML-N never resorted to violence or sit-ins during their protests, citing their history of peaceful demonstrations.
Sanaullah also addressed the ongoing tensions between Imran Khan and the establishment. He claimed that Khan’s relationship with former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa soured when Khan demanded the elimination of opposition parties. When Bajwa refused to comply, Sanaullah said, Khan began to label him as a traitor, calling him “Mir Jafar” and “Mir Sadiq.”
Reflecting on Khan’s current position, Sanaullah said the PTI leader had no option but to abandon his confrontational “will-not-spare-anyone” policy. He stated that Khan’s refusal to compromise had led both him and the country into serious trouble.
The statement from Sanaullah comes at a time when PTI is planning a major protest. The party has announced a final call for a protest to demand the release of Imran Khan and the restoration of judicial independence. PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, have vowed not to back down. Gandapur pledged that PTI supporters would not rest until Khan is released, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. He passionately declared that they would not return until their demands were met.
The PTI’s upcoming protest, with its promises of an unrelenting demonstration, is expected to draw significant attention. Gandapur declared that no amount of sacrifice would deter their movement, framing their cause as one for “true freedom.”
Imran Khan has been behind bars since his arrest in August last year following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. He remains imprisoned under high security at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, after previously being held in Attock Jail. Khan faces several legal challenges, including cases related to the £190 million reference and the new Toshakhana case. His supporters continue to call for his release and the restoration of what they see as judicial independence.
