ISLAMABAD: The political tensions intensified after Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, indicated that treason cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan could not be ruled out, warning that the party’s recent statements had crossed sensitive boundaries.
Sanaullah said PTI’s recent rhetoric particularly comments deemed anti-army was approaching “red lines” that the government was not prepared to tolerate.
He added that the door for dialogue with the former prime minister had “never been open,” especially in light of recent statements by Khan, his sisters, and other PTI leaders.
Furthermore, Sanaullah referred to a recent press briefing by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General, saying it served as a clear warning.
“The message was unambiguous. If PTI chooses to treat these matters casually, there will be consequences,” he said.
He further criticised certain PTI figures for “echoing narratives promoted by Indian media.” The military’s press conference should not be perceived as a political response but as a national security clarification. “If boundaries are crossed against the army and its leadership, it will not be tolerated,” he cautioned.
Moreover, the adviser also alleged that, following the Jaffer Express attack, media outlets in India, Afghanistan, and some linked to PTI amplified narratives targeting Pakistan’s state institutions.
He claimed that the government had been monitoring these developments closely. Sanaullah accused PTI of maintaining links with Indian sources in several past incidents, calling it “a serious misfortune for the country.”
Meanwhile, Sanaullah criticised PTI for violating understandings reached before meetings with government officials.
He pointed to a recent meeting involving Imran Khan and his sister, Azma Khan, claiming that discussions shifted from agreed-upon non-political matters to criticism directed at the government.
However, comparing the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and its founder, Altaf Hussain, Sanaullah said PTI’s political direction was becoming increasingly confrontational.
“I see PTI heading towards becoming Adiala Tehreek-e-Insaf,” he stated, adding that he believed most party members would avoid supporting what he called an extreme approach.
