During a recent interview, Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah discussed the implications of the Islamabad High Court’s decision to provide relief to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the cypher case. Sanaullah indicated that new legal challenges are likely to arise for Khan in the near future.
Sanaullah underscored that the PTI founder’s release was not solely contingent on the outcome of the iddat case verdict and acknowledged that under Pakistan’s legal system, the benefit of the doubt is afforded to the accused. He expressed expectations for similar considerations of doubt in the iddat case, emphasizing the potential for legal complexities and challenges in these proceedings.
He further delved into the iddat case, disputing its characterization as a “personal affair” of a political leader, asserting that public figures are not exempt from accountability in legal matters. Additionally, Sanaullah drew attention to Khan’s involvement in cases where confessions of wrongdoing were made, indicating the likelihood of further legal actions against the PTI founder.
In response to inquiries about potential new cases, Sanaullah affirmed that additional legal proceedings would be initiated in the days ahead. He cited a controversial post by Khan referencing the 1971 fall of Dhaka, insinuating the possibility of a case being filed against the former premier in connection with the social media post. The post had prompted an investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency’s anti-cybercrime team.
Sanaullah emphasized the dire consequences of PTI’s leadership, claiming that the country was at a crossroads, and implied that resolution through dialogue was imperative. He remarked on the reluctance of the PTI to engage in constructive dialogue while emphasizing the willingness of democratic parties to pursue peaceful negotiations.
Regarding the legal landscape, Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023, while several current and former politicians from his party faced allegations related to post-arrest violence. Notably, relief was granted to Khan in the cypher case, leading to expectations for legal clarity in the iddat case following an appeal by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
Furthermore, Khan and PTI’s vice-chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were acquitted in two cases concerning the Long March vandalism. The Islamabad High Court also granted bail to Khan in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) settlement reference, though he remained in custody due to conviction in the iddat case.
The unfolding legal developments suggest an intensification of legal challenges for Imran Khan, signifying a contentious period ahead for the PTI founder and the political landscape in Pakistan.
