ISLAMABAD: Rana Sanaullah Links Terrorism Resurgence to PTI Govt’s Negotiation Policy Federal Minister for Interior, Rana Sanaullah, on Tuesday, presented a scathing critique of past negotiations with militant groups and directly accused the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of being committed to “armed struggle” against the state.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s Redline, Sanaullah marked the approaching anniversary of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar tragedy, stating that the nation’s unified resolve formed after the 2014 massacre had been undermined. He asserted that a recent attempted attack on a Cadet College was intended to mirror the APS atrocity.
The minister blamed the subsequent resurgence of terrorism on past decisions to negotiate with militants. “Confusion was created, terrorists were brought back again,” he said, asking, “Which people decided to negotiate with terrorists?” He alleged that a briefing during the previous PTI government, involving then-army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, advocated for militants to “keep arms and become part of society.”
In a sharp political attack, Sanaullah claimed the PTI founder is “committed to armed struggle,” citing events on May 9 and an alleged intent on November 26. “The PTI is waiting for an incident,” he warned.
Commenting on the recent conviction of Faiz Hameed in a misconduct case, Sanaullah called it a matter of institutional accountability for “violation of discipline” and “illegal use of powers.” He concluded by stating that the ruling PML-N and PPP are focused on a “democratic charter,” while accusing the PTI founder of refusing political dialogue and choosing confrontation.
Meanwhile Pakistan Army retired officer Col (R) Inaam-ur-Raheem has alleged that former intelligence chief Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hameed maintained direct coordination with senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, , and former chief justice Saqib Nisar during the events surrounding May 9 unrest.
Speaking to a private channel about what he described as documented evidence, Inaam-ur-Raheem said individuals evading arrest after the violence took refuge at Faiz Hameed’s farmhouse.
He said Hameed frequently changed SIM cards and relayed his new number through a single PTI leader, including Asad Qaiser. He said authorities traced each SIM within minutes due to surveillance of PTI leadership.
