Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said there was no ban on political discussion during meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan, but restrictions were imposed due to violations of court undertakings and the use of jail meetings for what he described as political conduct.
Speaking on a private news channel’s program, Rana Sanaullah said the issue of meetings had been blown out of proportion and could be resolved if High Court orders were implemented “in letter and spirit.”
Responding to a question about restrictions on political speech, Rana Sanaullah rejected the allegation outright.
“There is only one restriction,” he said. “No abuse against the country, the state, institutions, or the heads of institutions.”
He added, “If that is avoided, who can stop anyone from talking about politics?”
When asked whether Imran Khan had ever spoken against Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah maintained that while the former prime minister may not have directly targeted the country, he had repeatedly crossed lines elsewhere.
“He abuses everyone, there is less politics and more abuse,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that criticism related to international lobbying and IMF matters had been directed against political opponents, not the country itself.
“If the IMF tranche is delayed, the loss is Pakistan’s,” Rana Sanaullah said.
Rana Sanaullah also claimed that recordings exist of Imran Khan’s statements, though he said they could not be aired during the programme.
He maintained that institutions had been criticised.
At this point, journalist Hamid Mir intervened, asking whether the remarks were of the kind “that you yourself used to make 30 to 35 years ago.”
Before the discussion concluded, Hamid Mir also asked Rana Sanaullah to at least let him hear the alleged recording off-air so he could inform viewers whether the remarks in question were objectionable or not.