Tag: Rana Sanaullah

  • Govt spends Rs20 million per month on Khan’s security: IG Islamabad

    In a meeting of the Senate Standing Com­mittee on Interior chaired by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Senator Mohsin Aziz, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Isla­mabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan revealed that 266 personnel have been deployed for PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s security, which costs the government Rs20 million per month.

    The meeting took place on Wednesday, in which IGP Islamabad also admitted that there are reports of threats to Khan’s life.

    IGP Nasir provided these details in the form of a report sought by Committee Chairman Mohsin Aziz, who took a suo moto notice on reports of withdrawal of Khan’s security.

    He was asked about the reasons for the withdrawal of Khan’s security and revoking of private security companies’ licenses that were deployed for his protection. In reply, the IGP said that besides the two private security companies, 266 personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) police, Frontier Consta­bulary and Rangers have been deployed for PTI Chairman’s security.

    He added that the said licenses were revoked by the Interior Ministry, however, they are still performing security duties.

    Chairman Committee Aziz observed that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was invited eight times for this meeting, but he did not come to attend the meeting once.

    Senator Shahadat Awan remarked that instead of calling a meeting, the committee chairman could have directly asked the IGP about the issue.

    “An hour-long meeting costs Rs15 lakh from the national exchequer”, he pointed out.

    Federal Minister of Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, said that despite concerns for flood victims, Imran Khan’s rallies were being held and abuses were being hurled. “This forum is not for discussing such matters,” he said.

    On Thursday, Imran Khan’s counsel, Babar Awan, informed the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) that Khan’s life is under threat.

    “IGP and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations will be responsible if something happens to my client,” warned Babar.

  • ‘Threatened govt officials’: FIR registered against Rana Sanaullah for spreading terror

    A case was registered by the Punjab police against Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday on charges of terrorism under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). A complainant named Sheikh Aslam registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Industrial Estate police station of Gujrat.

    In the FIR, Aslam stated that Rana Sanaullah appeared on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’ on August 21. During the show, Aslam said that the anchor [Shahzad Iqbal] ran some old clips and statements of Sanaullah that were aired on different TV channels on April 16, 2021 and January 29, 2022, respectively.

    In the clips, the minister had threatened the judiciary, the Punjab chief secretary, commissioner, other government officials and their children with dire consequences. Moreover, the FIR stated that Sanaullah threatened to kill government officials’ children and said they wouldn’t get any help from the judiciary.

    “Rana Sanaullah’s statement was to terrorise the judiciary, chief secretary and other government officials so they can’t do their job and fulfil their legal responsibilities”, added the FIR.

    The development was confirmed by Punjab Home Minister Hashim Dogar. In a tweet, the home minister said that the charges levelled in the FIR are serious and action would be taken in accordance with the law.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi also shared a copy of the FIR: “You [Sanaullah] make false cases against Imran Khan, now the Pakistani nation has registered a true case against you.”

    An official source told Dawn that the complainant was “wanted” by the Islamabad Police in some cases lodged with Kohsar and Aabpara police stations. The police had already issued him notices and they have initiated the process to declare him a proclaimed offender.

     

  • Nawaz Sharif will lead the campaign for the next general elections: Rana Sanaullah

    Nawaz Sharif will lead the campaign for the next general elections: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has revealed that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will lead the electoral campaign for the next general elections, reports Geo News.

    Addressing a reception ceremony of overseas Pakistanis living in Jeddah, Rana Sanaullah said that the next general elections will be held on time and Nawaz Sharif will be leading the electoral campaign.

    Rana stressed that the government will complete its constitutional term and said that the country cannot afford “Imrani trouble”, corruption and political chaos.

    Rana Sanaullah is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah along with his family.

    Nawaz will return in September

    Federal Minister Javed Latif on August 15 said that the people of Pakistan are wishing for the return of Nawaz Sharif.

    Referring to Nawaz’s supporters as “doctors”, Latif said that “the people are his doctors and doctors change their opinion with time”.

  • ‘He was stripped naked’: Imran Khan reveals Shahbaz Gill was tortured in custody

    ‘He was stripped naked’: Imran Khan reveals Shahbaz Gill was tortured in custody

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has revealed that his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill was stripped naked and beaten up in custody.

    Gill was arrested for inciting the public against the state institutions.

    ‘He should not have said that,’ Khan on Gill’s remarks

    “Yes, he should not have said what he did. It seems like he is inciting rebellion in the armed forces. It was wrong. We want to see a strong military,” said Khan when asked if he condemns Gill’s remarks.

    “Gill was beaten and asked how many times did General Faiz meet Imran Khan and what does Imran Khan eat,” revealed Khan.

    ‘I am a professor, not a criminal’: Shahbaz Gill

    On August 12, Gill told a court in Islamabad that he is being subjected to extreme torture in custody. He added that he is not permitted to sleep and not even allowed to meet his lawyers. He alleged that no medical examination was conducted as claimed by the authorities. The Islamabad Police had earlier claimed that Gill underwent medical examination at the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the medical report revealed that he was not tortured.

    Shahbaz Gill was taken into custody on August 9 from Bani Gala Chowk for inciting the public against state institutions.

    Read more- ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    ‘PTI stands with Gill’: Fawad Chaudhry

    Fawad Chaudhry said recently the party is standing with Gill, adding that PTI chief Imran Khan had also raised the issue during Saturday’s rally in Lahore.

    He went on to say that the current government had also used indiscriminate force against children, women and unarmed citizens. “The same is happening with Shahbaz Gill.”

    “This is the policy of Rana Sanaullah which is being practiced in the country,” he added.

    He further claimed that the government wants to recover Gill’s mobile phone and wants custody of him so that they can torture him again. He went on to say that Gill made the controversial comments on Muharram 10 when mobile phone services were suspended.

    “The phone call was made via landline and you have that number. The statement was broadcast live on ARY News and you have that too,” he said.

    He went on to say that the current government had also used indiscriminate force against children, women and unarmed citizens. “The same is happening with Shahbaz Gill.”

    “This is the policy of Rana Sanaullah which is being practiced in the country,” he added.

    He further claimed that the government wants to recover Gill’s mobile phone and wants custody of him so that they can torture him again. He went on to say that Gill made the controversial comments on Muharram 10 when mobile phone services were suspended.

    “The phone call was made via landline and you have that number. The statement was broadcast live on ARY News and you have that too,” he said.

    High court adjourned hearing over his physical remand extension

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a notice to senior PTI leader Shahbaz Gill and adjourned the hearing on the matter of an extension in Gill’s physical remand today (August 15).

    The court adjourned the hearing after seeking a reply from Gill by tomorrow (Tuesday, August 16).

    On August 13, a judicial magistrate rejected the police’s request to extend Gill’s physical remand and sent him to jail on judicial remand. The same day, the prosecution filed an appeal in a sessions court, which was also dismissed. Subsequently, the government filed a petition in the IHC for Gill’s physical custody, arguing that the ongoing investigation against him and collection of evidence could not be completed without it.

    While hearing arguments from the prosecution today, Acting IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq questioned why authorities are seeking PTI leader Shahbaz Gill’s physical custody.

    “You are saying that an extension in the suspect’s physical remand is necessary? What will you do after getting the extension?” Justice Farooq questioned.

    The prosecution maintained that the ongoing investigation against Gill and the collection of evidence cannot be completed without an extension of his remand in police custody.

    Islamabad Advocate General Jadoon informed the judge of the lower courts’ decisions regarding the PTI leader’s physical remand. He added that the government had taken “serious notice” of Gill’s comments on television that “targeted the country’s institutions” and registered a case against him.

    Court seeks Shahbaz Gill’s bail plea matter

    Shahbaz Gill filed a petition before an Islamabad district and sessions judge seeking post-arrest bail on Sunday, August 14, in the sedition case against him.

    On Monday, the court sought arguments on the bail plea. Gill’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry requested the court to issue a verdict on the plea, maintaining that his arguments are ready.

    At this, the judge responded that a similar case is under trial in the IHC as well. Faisal answered that the matter under trial in the IHC is related to the order of the judicial magistrate and, therefore, this court can hear the case regardless of the case in the high court.

    During the hearing, Gill’s lawyer stated, “It is a declared law that no one can be kept in jail for a single minute without reason.”

    At this, the court directed the investigation officer to appear in court with records at 11am. It also ordered the lawyer to submit a power of attorney on Gill’s behalf, and sought arguments from the parties upon resumption of the hearing at 11am.

    However, the hearing was further adjourned till 2pm. Meanwhile, the prosecution has requested the court to keep the case adjourned.

  • ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi commented on the recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.

    Talking on Geo News’ programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Elahi said, “I have given a statement against him [Shahbaz],” adding that these are honourable institutions.

    “The Pakistan army protects the border of our country, Aqal hai tumhaaray mein (Are you in your senses?).”

    When asked if PTI should distance itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement, Elahi said, “Definitely yes.”

    He further said Khan himself says that “a person who speaks against the army is not a Pakistani”.

    PTI leaders reactions

    Commenting on Gill’s arrest, Imran Khan termed it an ‘abduction’. He said, “Shahbaz Gill was arrested without any arrest warrant. His driver was tortured and his vehicle was damaged. He should have been given a chance to defend himself.”

    About the rumours about his arrest, Khan said that his arrest is a small thing, he can “sacrifice” his life for haqeeqi azadi.

    “If someone breaks the law, then there must be an action. Has any show-cause notice been issued to ARY News or given any reason for its suspension? The channel’s transmission was suspended without giving any chance to give a clarification. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. Democracy does not allow someone to take a decision solely and close the channel.”

    While Speaking on ARY News, PTI leader Asad Umar said Gill’s words have been misinterpreted.

    He further claimed that personally, he has “never heard Gill giving anti-army statements”.

    Meanwhile, PTI leader Murad Saeed lashed out at the government after the arrest of his fellow party member. He claimed that this is all the government’s propaganda against PTI as they themselves talk against the army and then link it to PTI.

    He further said that the government registers fake FIRs.

    The PTI leader said that “handlers and facilitators” can’t compete with the public as they come out on roads whenever Khan asked them to.

    “Imran Khan is our redline, don’t cross it, or else you will suffer the consequences.”

    ‘Script was prepared under the supervision of Imran Khan’: Rana Sanuallah

    Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 9, Interior Minister Rana Snaullah said, “The comments were according to the script prepared under the supervision of PTI Chairman Imran Khan which was carried forward by Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill.”

    Sanaullah went on to say that “hateful and seditious” remarks made by Gill were in line with the conspiracy in which a private news channel was also involved.

    “Inquiry will be held regarding who are the people behind Gill and the private channel as no further investigation is needed on Gill’s statement,” he added.

    The interior minister further alleged that the incident proves that the PTI was responsible for running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash in Balochistan.

  • ‘Your value is not more than an SHO of Kohsar police station’: Fawad Chaudhry lashes out at Rana Sanaullah

    ‘Your value is not more than an SHO of Kohsar police station’: Fawad Chaudhry lashes out at Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on August 7 said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) announcement to hold public gatherings across the country was a mere “political stunt”, adding that PTI Chairman Imran Khan was trying to divert attention from his theft.

    The interior minister said that the PTI is allowed to stage a public gathering at the Parade Ground.

    “Whoever will not cooperate with the FIA relating to an inquiry into the prohibited funding case [against PTI] will be arrested,” warned the interior minister.

    Reacting to Sanaullah’s statement, former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry advised the interior minister to be careful while giving remarks about PTI’s leadership.

    “Your value is not more than an SHO of the Kohsar Police Station,” Chaudhry told Sanaullah as the ruling PML-N has no government in any province of the country.

    On Saturday, the PTI’s political committee decided to hold a power show in Islamabad on August 13.

  • ECP ‘cowering in fear’: Khan calls supporters to join protest against chief election commissioner

    ECP ‘cowering in fear’: Khan calls supporters to join protest against chief election commissioner

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has urged his supporters to come out for a “peaceful” protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which is set to take place in Islamabad today (Thursday).

    “Today I am calling all our people to come out in peaceful public protest against CEC and ECP in F9 Park at 6 pm. I will be addressing the gathering between 7:00 – 7:30 pm.”

    “CEC & ECP in cahoots with Imported govt conspired to try a technical knockout against PTI after PMLN got routed in Punjab by-elections despite the support of entire state machinery & ECP shenanigans. Now they are cowering in fear abt same happening to entire PDM in General Elections,” tweeted former prime minister Imran Khan.

    PTI withdraws reference to remove ECP chief

    PTI has withdrawn its reference against CEC Raja minutes after it was submitted in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).

    According to media reports, the reference was withdrawn to highlight further legal aspects. The party will also include the demand for reconsideration of the ECP verdict in the prohibited funding case.

    The reference was taken back from the registrar’s office.

    The reference sought to remove CEC Raja from his post on account of the “commission of continuous and deliberate misconduct”.

    Earlier in the day, the party filed a reference in which the former ruling party alleged that Raja was pressurised to announce the verdict on PTI’s foreign funding case.

    The party alleged that after a meeting between the CEC and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders, the ECP announced its foreign funding verdict.

    Speaking to the media after the reference was taken back, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry warned the government that if they pull any stunt in the federal capital, then the PTI-led governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab will fill their prisons with PDM leaders and its allies, reports Samaa News.

    Red Zone sealed

    Ahead of the PTI protest today, Islamabad’s district administration has sealed the Red Zone and placed containers at the entry points of the city.

    Entry into the Red Zone is banned for protesters and all unconcerned people. Personnel of law enforcement agencies including Anti-Riot Force, Rangers, FC and police have been deployed around the Red Zone. Entrance will be allowed only through the Margalla Road.

    Read more – After Punjab, KPK assembly also approves motion against ECP chief

    Earlier this week, PTI Chairman Imran Khan announced a “peaceful” protest outside the ECP. The party has repeatedly demanded the resignation of ECP Chief Sikandar Sultan Raja.

    ‘If someone tries to enter the Red Zone area, they shouldn’t complain about the consequences’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned PTI of strict action against those who try to enter the Red Zone.

    He said that the PTI can attack the election commission; however, they should remember that the Islamabad High Court has imposed restrictions on staging protests in the Red Zone.

    “Protests are strictly prohibited in the Red Zone and if someone tries to enter the area, they shouldn’t complain about the consequences of their actions later,” he said.

    Rana Sanaullah added that there are some selected venues where the PTI can stage a “peaceful protest as it was everybody’s right in the democratic era”.

  • ‘If I am stopped from entering Punjab, this will be the beginning of Governor Raj,’ threatens Rana Sanaullah

    ‘If I am stopped from entering Punjab, this will be the beginning of Governor Raj,’ threatens Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah warned that if he is stopped from entering Punjab, it will be the beginning of Governor Raj.

    “The summary to impose Governor’s Rule is being drafted, and I — personally — have started work on it,” said Rana while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

    PTI leaders had suggested banning Rana Sanaullah’s entry into Punjab after winning Punjab by-elections.

    Rana Sanaullah also said that the political situation has worsened due to the decision of the Supreme Court.

    Sanaullah added that after the no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan was successful, the PML-N proposed moving towards early elections, indicating that the coalition partners did not agree.

    He also added that once the general elections are announced, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will come back to the country and lead the election campaign.

    “But now, the federal government is a government of coalition partners, and this coalition has formed governments in Sindh and Balochistan. The federal government has its own significance,” he said.

  • Passports, CNICs of PTI supporters to be blocked if involved in heckling, warns Rana Sanaullah

    Passports, CNICs of PTI supporters to be blocked if involved in heckling, warns Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah tweeted on Tuesday that a “so-called political party” and its leader “who suffers from insanity” have started a campaign based on hate and malice. Rana advised everyone, especially Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters, that if any supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) heckle them, they should make their videos from their mobile phones instead of responding to them.

    “Make a video so that the hecklers can be identified and send it to Director FIA Cybercrime Wing through mail, or WhatsApp or tag FIA on social media after posting the video. Proper action will be taken against them, including blockage of passports and/or identity cards so that people’s right to freedom of movement under Article 15 is protected.”

    Rana further added that if the hecklers start physical fights, the law permits self-defence.

    In response to Rana Sana’s series of tweets, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that Rana Sanaullah is a “scarecrow” who is being used by someone else.

    Chaudhry said that Rana “has the support of someone else”, which is why he is using this type of language.

    Rana Sana justified his tweets and stated: “Let me make it clear that as public representatives, politicians are accountable to people and there is absolutely no restriction on asking questions. But action will be taken if any politician is harassed in the name of freedom of speech.”

    Read more- ‘Remorse and embarrassment’: Ahsan Iqbal says family who harassed him apologised

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan addressed a rally in Lodhran on Tuesday where he justified the heckling of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

    “You must have seen on social media that Ahsan Iqbal went to eat at McDonalds. He claims that Imran Khan has taught people to misbehave. O Ahsan Iqbal, you lying Aristotle. This is not misbehaviour, this is the truth: you’re a thief.”

    Last week, a pro-PTI family hurled ‘chor chor’ at Iqbal at a restaurant on the Motorway. The family later apologised to Iqbal for their misbehaviour and visited him at his residence in Narowal.

  • ‘Ghalat keeya Afridi ne’: Fawad Chaudhry says case against Rana Sanaullah was baseless

    ‘Ghalat keeya Afridi ne’: Fawad Chaudhry says case against Rana Sanaullah was baseless

    Former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Thursday that the drug case against sitting Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was baseless and neither the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nor Bani Gala had any role in lodging the cases against him.

    Speaking on Express News‘ programme, Chaudhry said that Shehryar Afridi ‘ne ghalat keeya’ [had done wrong] when he stated on oath that 15kg of heroin was recovered from Rana Sana’s car.

    “I said it when the case was brought to the cabinet by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officer that it was baseless,” said Fawad.

    It is to be noted that Rana Sana was arrested in July 2019 under the previous government by the ANF that claimed to have recovered 15kg of heroin from his vehicle.