Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday said that former prime minister Imran Khan is not prepared to sit with political forces to reform Pakistan’s political system.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s programme Red Line with Talat Hussain, Rana Sanaullah said that despite the passage of 11 years since the Army Public School (APS) tragedy, the nation is still condemning terrorism and its consequences.
He recalled that terrorists recently attempted an attack on Cadet College, which, he said, could have been even more devastating than the APS attack had it succeeded.
APS tragedy
Rana Sanaullah said that before the APS incident, Pakistan lacked unity on counterterrorism. “There was a debate about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Taliban, and the nation was not united,” he said.
According to him, terrorism declined only after national consensus emerged post-APS. However, he argued that confusion later returned when militants were allowed back into the country.
Rana Sanaullah questioned who had decided to negotiate with terrorists, saying those talks failed and militants resumed violence.
“Why is it being said today that there should be no operation against terrorists? Why should we talk to them?” he asked, warning that such narratives only create confusion.
He added that intelligence-based operations are also being opposed, which he described as dangerous for national security.
The PM’s adviser said that former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed had briefed the then government on allowing militants to return.
According to him, it was argued at the time that militants would keep their arms and become part of society under the constitution and law.
Allegations against PTI founder
Rana Sanaullah alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan remains committed to an “armed struggle.”
He cited incidents on May 9, May 25, and November 26, claiming there was also an intention to resort to violence on November 26, though it failed.
“Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is waiting for an incident,” he alleged.
Rana Sanaullah said a clear decision has now been made to eliminate terrorism, stressing that there is no ambiguity in the state’s policy.
“The nation has decided to deal with terrorists with an iron hand,” he said, adding that those advocating talks should also be prepared for strict action.
Comments on Faiz Hameed case
Addressing the sentencing of Faiz Hameed, Rana Sanaullah said Nawaz Sharif did not comment extensively on the matter.
“Nawaz Sharif only said it was retribution,” he noted.
He said Faiz Hameed violated discipline and misused authority, particularly in the Top City case, adding that the issue was not limited to one individual but involved a broader system.
Rana Sanaullah said that if the political system is corrected, no greater revenge or relief is required.
He added that after the PML-N and PPP agreed on a democratic charter, a “third force” disrupted the process.
According to him, accountability should bring satisfaction if institutions act against violations without discrimination.
