Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui addressed a news conference Thursday, emphasizing the government’s stance on opposition demands and ongoing legal proceedings.
Rana Sanaullah stated, "We will prepare a response to the opposition's demands, and it will be final." He acknowledged that two primary demands had been raised by the PTI but noted that the opposition had withdrawn its earlier demand for the return of the mandate.
Sanaullah criticized the PTI's claims, stating, "It was alleged that all cases were politically motivated, but no specifics were provided. Not even the FIR number of any case was mentioned, and nothing was said regarding the workers involved."
The advisor highlighted the judicial process surrounding key cases. He remarked that the Islamabad High Court, including Chief Justice and two other judges, had already taken notice of the founder’s arrest, and judicial decisions were made accordingly. He clarified that cases against individuals are currently under trial in the Anti-Terrorism Court.
He said military courts are hearing cases related to damages caused to military properties.
Commenting on the recent demand for an inquiry commission, Sanaullah questioned its utility, saying, "What role can a commission play in matters that are either closed or already under trial?" He added that all arrests had been documented transparently, detailing where and how individuals were apprehended.
When asked about media censorship, Rana Sanaullah said, "If the Supreme Court's inquiry commission is expected to take notice of media censorship, the opposition can file a petition in the court tomorrow."
The opposition presented their demands, which had already been shared in the media prior to the meeting, prompting criticism from the government.
The opposition urged the government to address "mandate theft" by returning the mandate in cash. However, no substantive discussion or documentation regarding this demand was provided in today's meeting.
They also called for the formation of two judicial commissions, led by the Chief Justice or three senior-most judges, to investigate specific issues.
Government's Response
Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah criticized the opposition for failing to substantiate claims of casualties during incidents from November 24-27.
Sanaullah stated: "If there were casualties, details should have been presented in today’s demands."
"The opposition failed to provide lists of those injured or missing, as promised."
Judicial and Legal Context
Legal proceedings related to arrests and alleged censorship are ongoing in anti-terrorism and military courts.
A judicial review has already been conducted regarding the arrest of a party founder on May 9. Several cases are under trial, with some verdicts issued by military courts.
A suo motu petition was filed in the Supreme Court yesterday, raising questions about whether these demands justify forming a new judicial commission.
Media Censorship Allegations:
The opposition sought a review of alleged media censorship. The government countered that the Supreme Court should address such claims within existing legal frameworks.
Rana Sanaullah dismissed the opposition's claims as "accusations, lies, and propaganda," emphasizing that the government had already demanded transparency through lists and evidence, which the opposition failed to provide.
