Islamabad: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan must make better security arrangements if he wishes to continue with his long march, adding that further questions had been raised after a second video of principle suspect emerged after phones of police staff was confiscated.

Addressing a press conference here, Sanaullah termed suspect’s second statement as against democracy. Noting that Punjab government had moved swiftly to suspend all officers of Gujrat Police Station, where suspect was kept in custody and interrogated, he raised questions.

“I am wondering how someone can release such a damaging statement of suspect.” He asked whether original statement of the suspect was leaked or deliberately released to public. Defending role played by federal government in entire incident, Sana said that they had already informed PTI leadership and Imran Khan about security threats and federal government again informed them about looming threats after confessional video statement of suspect went viral. “I again urge him to install a [bullet proof] shield on his container,” Sanaullah urged. Should another untoward incident take place, he minister said that PTI leadership should remember it before issuing an irresponsible statement. “It is possible, these types of people could launch another attack, God forbid,” he said. Sanaullah asked why Punjab Police waited so long to register a First Investigation Report about incident nearly 24 hours after it took place. “I think! PTI leadership are managing things,” he said, adding that “Without prior evidence, they have already blamed federal government, which is condemnable.”

He pointed to confessional statement of suspect which explains reasons for his attack and in wake of his statement, PTI leadership must remain responsible. “Allegations were levelled against three people without any evidence.” “Imran Khan is our political rival, he is not our enemy,” Sanaullah stated categorically, adding, “But, he must change his attitude.” Earlier at beginning of the press conference, Sanaullah said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced compensation for people who have lost their lives during march so far. We cannot bring back dead, but it will help family in their time of need, he explained.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 05 2022

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