Amidst the widespread departure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and the growing activities of estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah insists that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) remains unthreatened, maintaining that their “vote bank is not going anywhere.”
Sanaullah stated, “Despite Jahangir Tareen’s actions, the N-League should stay confident as our vote bank remains stable.”
He explained that the political dynamics in Punjab between PML-N and PTI have altered post the May 9 riots. Sanaullah further anticipated that PTI could split into three factions, one part siding with PPP, the second with Jahangir Tareen, and the third will remain loyal to PTI. Despite this potential split, he advised PML-N to remain calm.
“If PTI’s chairman is disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi will take the helm of the party,” Sanaullah predicted.
Since the violent events of May 9, when Imran Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court, leading to nationwide riots and attacks on significant military installations, there’s been a significant departure of leaders from PTI. Consequently, the government plans to prosecute those involved in the riots in military courts.
In addition to the leadership exodus, numerous PTI factions have arisen recently. Regarding the May 9 incidents, Sanaullah claimed that PTI didn’t protest but rather “rebelled against the state.”
“No party can expect relief after rebelling against the state,” stated the security chief, implicating PTI leader Dr. Yasmin Rashid in leading the mob to Jinnah House and accusing Hammad Azhar of playing a “criminal role” in the riots.
Regarding elections, Sanaullah projected that general elections would take place in October or November. Discussing PML-N’s election campaign strategy, he revealed they have urged party leader Nawaz Sharif, who has been in self-imposed exile in London due to health issues since November 2019, to spearhead the campaign.
“We have requested that Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister, secure protective bail. He has assured us that he will lead the party during the election campaign,” Sanaullah confirmed.
