ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (Alliance News): As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launches another protest movement aimed at securing the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan, the federal government has accused the party of attempting to destabilise the country and bypassing the political process in favour of seeking engagement with the establishment.
In a strongly worded statement during Geo News’ “Geo Pakistan” programme, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the PTI’s campaign was a deliberate move to undermine national stability achieved after the recent Pakistan-India clashes and the government’s economic revival efforts.
He was responding to the announcement by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who on Sunday termed the new movement as a “do or die” campaign, which would culminate on August 5 — coinciding with the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s incarceration.
Gandapur, flanked by PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja and others, had suggested that negotiations should take place only with the “decision makers,” not the government.
Sanaullah criticised the PTI’s approach, questioning the sincerity of their call for talks while launching protests. “If you want dialogue, what is the need for this 90-day protest plan and marching towards Lahore?” he asked.
While maintaining that peaceful protest is a democratic right, Sanaullah warned that any attempt to take the law into their own hands would be met with a legal response. “Their agenda has always been to create instability. If they try to disrupt public order again, the law will take its due course,” he stated.
He reaffirmed that the government is open to talks but expressed concern that the PTI is unwilling to engage politically.
“They are still trying to negotiate with the establishment instead of sitting with political parties,” he said, adding that the government was committed to dialogue only within the democratic and constitutional framework.
Sanaullah also reminded viewers that PTI had previously refused to discuss Imran Khan’s release during negotiations, insisting instead on his acquittal through the courts. “They now want relief for Khan, but we cannot interfere with judicial matters,” he added.
Commenting on possible PTI rallies, he said, “Wherever PTI seeks permission for peaceful gatherings, local administration will assess and permit accordingly.” However, he emphasized the need for peaceful conduct and warned against any repeat of previous confrontational tactics.
The senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader reiterated the government’s focus on economic stability and national progress. “Our only agenda is economic revival. We want consensus, even with the opposition, on a charter of economy,” he said, inviting PTI to join hands for national development rather than pursuing confrontation.
