Either Imran Khan or we will get murdered: Pakistan minister
What's the story
In a shocking development, Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Sunday remarked that former PM Imran Khan jeopardized the country's politics so that either he would get murdered or they would get eliminated. Sanaullah claimed animosity between his party—the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)—and Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reached a point where only one of them could survive. Meanwhile, the PTI has condemned his remarks.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Khan (70), a cricketer-turned-politician, is wanted in several cases but has been evading police for nearly a month due to hundreds of followers. Instead, he has described the government's action against him as a political ploy by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's family-led regime. Since being deposed in April 2022, Khan has been campaigning across the country for months, seeking early elections.
Details
'Either Imran Khan or we will get murdered': Sanaullah
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Sanaullah said, "Either Imran Khan or we will get murdered." The minister claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's existence was in jeopardy, and it would go to any extent to settle a score with Khan. "Imran Khan has turned politics into enmity. He is now our enemy, and he will be treated like that," he said.
Quote
Pakistan minister says anarchy prevails in country
Sanaullah went on to say that Khan does not believe in democracy and a peaceful political environment in Pakistan. When asked if his remarks against Khan could result in anarchy, he said, "Anarchy already prevails. What else is there to anarchy?"
Reaction
Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf slams Sanaullah
Soon after the video of the PML-N leader's interview went viral, the PTI's Fawad Chaudhry said Sanaullah's remarks merely confirmed "an already known fact that he and his party were not democratic." Addressing a press conference, Chaudhry questioned whether the PML-N was running a gang or doing politics, adding that the country's Supreme Court was "right" in calling the PML-N the "Sicilian mafia."
Twitter Post
PTI leader Shireen Mazari seeks judicial intervention on minister's comments
If anyone had any doubts abt Rana Sana's murderous intent towards Imran Khan, this is a direct threat given by cabal of crooks Interior Minister. Judiciary should take note. pic.twitter.com/pu2OffYL5W
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 26, 2023
Response
'Government intends to crush Imran Khan'; other leaders react
Other party leaders also reacted sharply to Sanaullah's remarks. The PTI's Murad Saeed expressed concerns, saying the minister openly talked about "eliminating" Khan. Shafqat Mahmood of the party also said that the government did not care about its actions because it intended to "crush Imran Khan." "Dream on, Rana Sanaullah and be ready to be politically wiped out in the next elections," Mahmood added.
History
Khan accused Sanaullah of planning to assassinate him
Interestingly, PTI chief Khan earlier blamed "those in power," including Sanaullah, for the November gun attack on him at a rally in Wazirabad of Pakistan's Punjab. He also named Prime Minister Sharif and a senior official of Pakistan's premier intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), for their involvement in the alleged assassination plot.