Imran agreed to apologise over May 9 but withdrew, Rana Sanaullah claims

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday strongly denied offering any kind of deal to former prime minister Imran Khan or his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claiming instead that the PTI founder had agreed in November 2024 to apologise for the May 9, 2023, riots but later withdrew. His remarks came a day after he said that attempts were made to find a solution, but Imran was not willing to accept “any deal”. “He is not ready for any deal,” Sanaullah had told a private news channel. “Two serious efforts were made, but not only did he refuse, but his demands were such that the current government could not fulfil them.” Read: Attaullah Tarar denies any government 'deal' with Imran Khan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also earlier today dismissed media reports suggesting any “deal” between the government and the jailed PTI founder. Speaking in an interview on programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath' on a private news outlet, Sanaullah said his earlier statement had been taken out of context. He urged people to look at his full remarks, in which he had clearly stated that there would be no deal. “There has been no talk of any deal with Imran Khan from the government, nor will there be. The establishment has neither ever offered him a deal nor will it ever do so,” he said. When asked what Imran had agreed to during a second round of efforts, which involved individuals from abroad who met PTI, Sanaullah claimed that the former prime minister had agreed to apologise over the May 9 incidents but later stepped back. Read More: Vawda calls Imran deal offers ‘figment of Rana Sanaullah’s imagination’ “He had basically agreed to express regret or apologise for the May 9 events. The DG ISPR had also clearly stated a year ago that the first step in this matter should be a sincere expression of regret and apology over May 9, after which other matters could be considered,” he said, adding that he had no evidence to support the claim. Sanaullah clarified that no "give-and-take deal" was offered by either the government or the establishment. However, the PM's aide added that when the PTI laid siege to Islamabad in November 2024, a discussion took place at the time but no agreement was reached. Referring to the ongoing issue of prison meetings, Sanaullah said PTI’s second-tier leadership had been told that if such meetings were not used for anti-state narratives, below-the-belt criticism of institutions or press conferences outside jail, then there would be no issue in allowing them. He questioned whether agreeing to such terms could be termed a “deal”. Sanaullah said the government’s offer was clear and open, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited all parties to come forward for a “Charter of Stability of Pakistan” so that all stakeholders could sit together to strengthen the country. He said Imran, due to his "stubbornness and rigidity", was not ready for dialogue. He also claimed that opposition leaders Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai were not given any authority to negotiate. Also Read: Nov 2024 protest was a missed opportunity to secure Imran's release, Rana Sanaullah says “The claim that he has authorised Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas is meaningless. They have no authority. Imran is not ready for political dialogue or to sit with political parties; it is simply not his policy,” he added. Sanaullah said he had himself asked Achakzai to arrange a meeting with PM Shehbaz, but the opposition leader had declined, saying he would inform him after seeking “permission” from the PTI founder. He added that as leader of the house, the prime minister had no issue meeting Achakzai, stating that in a parliamentary democratic system, it was not possible for the house leader and the opposition leader to have no contact with each other.

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PMDC takes notice of Fatima Jinnah Medical University student’s death, seeks report in week

The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday took notice of the death of a final-year medical student of Lahore's Fatima Jinnah Medical University, on the varsity premises and sought a report within seven days. Young Fareeha, identified as a final-year MBBS student, fell from the third floor of a hostel at the university, as official sources claimed that the student had reportedly been experiencing depression for some time. Following the incident, taking the seriousness of the matter and its impact on the student community into account, the PMDC requested the college to share a factual account of the event so that it may remain informed and, if necessary, extend any appropriate support or guidance. Read: Probe launched into girl student's death The PMDC urged the college to share relevant details within seven days, including the date, time, and brief circumstances of the incident as per institutional records; details of any inquiry or fact-finding committee constituted, including its composition and terms of reference; any initial findings and/or the expected timeline for completion of the committee’s report; steps already taken or planned to strengthen student mental health support and counselling services; and safety measures in the hostel following this unfortunate event. In its letter to the principal of the university, the council expressed concern that medical and dental students represented the brightest and most valuable segment of the nation’s future healthcare workforce. Incidents of this nature were deeply alarming and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen student support systems in medical and dental institutions. The PMDC said it was focused on protecting and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of students and ensuring that educational environments remained supportive, safe and responsive to their needs. It also expressed its deep condolences and extended sympathies to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them in this difficult time. Also Read: PMDC issues show-cause notices to 12 institutions charging fees beyond Rs1.8m cap The council advised all medical and dental colleges to hire qualified counsellors/psychologists to provide timely guidance and mental and physical health support to students in distress, establish effective student support mechanisms, including confidential counselling services, and maintain vigilant monitoring of student wellbeing, with special attention to signs of psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. It also reiterated that proactive mental health support and timely counselling could play a critical role in preventing such incidents and in protecting the lives and future of students. The PMDC said it would continue to engage with relevant institutions to ensure appropriate measures were implemented to support student wellbeing and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

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Response sought on fuel price hike plea

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought responses from the federal government and other respondents on a miscellaneous petition challenging the recent increase in petroleum prices. Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition, which contended that inflation in Pakistan has already reached alarming levels, adversely affecting citizens and businesses, and that the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices has further burdened the public. The petitioner argued that petroleum prices are not aligned with international market rates and alleged that the government lacks a transparent mechanism for determining fuel prices.

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Nov 2024 protest was a missed opportunity to secure Imran's release, Rana Sanaullah says

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah claimed on Wednesday that during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) November 2024 protest, party founder Imran Khan initially agreed to hold talks and not protest at D-Chowk but later withdrew, adding that it was a missed opportunity for his release. In November 2024, PTI supporters left Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for Islamabad, demanding the restoration of the party's electoral mandate, the release of detained party members and the reversal of the 26th Amendment. However, the protest in the federal capital was brought to an end after the government launched a major operation to prevent protesters from reaching D-Chowk, forcing the senior party leadership to “escape” the scene. In an interview on programme 'Capital Talk' on a private news outlet, Sanaullah revealed that the government, including Interior Minister Naqvi, had made an offer to Imran, proposing that the party hold its planned November 2024 sit-in at Sangjani instead of marching towards D-Chowk. "He (Imran Khan) was being given wise advice, and Mohsin Naqvi was directly engaged in talks with him, telling him not to come towards Islamabad or go to D-Chowk, but to sit in Sangjani and hold talks there. Initially, Imran Khan agreed to this, but after agreeing, he backed out and said that Bushra Bibi would decide. Then she made the decision that they would go to D-Chowk,” Sanaullah said. He explained that if Imran had agreed, he would have received concessions, adding that the decision led to a missed opportunity for his release. Asked about whether Imran had allegedly said that he did not want to come out, Sanaullah replied, “You may say so.” The PM's aide said that the PTI founder could have secured his release from Adiala jail had the party chosen a more peaceful course of action during their 2024 protest. Sanaullah noted that the PTI miscalculated the potential outcome of its street agitation, believing it would spark a revolution. “They thought the street movement would bring about a revolution,” he added. "Imran Khan wants to be released from jail; he does not wish to stay in jail for a single day," Sanaullah continued. "However, PTI and Imran Khan are misjudging the situation. They were under the illusion that their wheel-jam strike on February 8 would create a significant impact." The PM's aide also alleged that Imran was no longer making decisions for PTI independently. Instead, he claimed that Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was exerting influence on the party’s decisions. “Imran was fully following his wife’s advice when he was prime minister, and he still listens to her today,” Sanaullah said. He dismissed claims that Imran had ever resisted his family’s influence on party decisions. In reference to the PTI's announcement earlier today of another street agitation after Eid, he said, “It is understood that Imran’s meeting will be halted during Ramazan following the announcement of launching the street movement." He further remarked that PTI leaders lacked the capability to initiate a successful street movement for Imran's release. He warned that they would be dealt with accordingly if they attempted to create chaos. Sanaullah said PTI's proposed movement after Eid was a "conspiracy" against Imran and the party, adding that the PTI founder had been living in good conditions in jail and receiving quality treatment. He also referenced PTI’s February 8 wheel-jam strike call, which he claimed had received a poor response. The PM’s aide also advised the PTI to engage in talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had invited them for discussions on the country’s stability. “They can receive concessions if they take positive initiatives for the country’s development,” he said, adding that the street protests and sit-ins were only further complicating the situation. He criticised the PTI for complaining about Imran’s lack of meetings with his family and PTI leaders. "PTI itself was responsible for the situation due to their use of derogatory language following the meeting with Imran," Sanaullah bit out. "If these meetings were not used for abuse against the state and state institutions or for below-the-belt propaganda, then who was stopping them from having the meetings?” he asked.

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ATC grants bail to six TLP workers

An anti-terrorism court (ATC), presided over by Judge Arshad Javed, on Tuesday approved post-arrest bail for six workers of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) accused of arson, vandalism, and attacks on police. Bail was granted to Muhammad Umar, Saeed Ahmed, Saleem Shah, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Rehman Ali, and Imtiaz Ali. The defence counsel stated that the accused were arrested based on statements from co-accused. He pleaded with the court to grant benefit of bail to his clients as no evidence was available against them. After hearing arguments, the court ordered their release on bail.

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LHC issues detailed judgment in sugar mills case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a detailed written judgment on a petition seeking the return of funds deposited as surety by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case. A three-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum released the eight-page verdict, directing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference before the accountability court within one week for formal closure of the case. The court further ordered that the accountability court in Lahore shall decide the reference within one month.

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4 suspected terrorists killed in Karachi's Shah Latif Town as CTD claims foiling terror bid

The Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday said it killed four suspected terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna-al-Hindustan group in a successful raid at a house in Karachi's Shah Latif Town. A press release from the department said the raid took place during the night between Monday and Tuesday and resulted in the recovery of heavy weapons, explosives and other dangerous materials. "The raid was conducted based on information provided by detained suspects. However, the operation quickly escalated when the suspects opened fire on the police and launched a grenade attack, triggering an intense exchange of fire." Two policemen were injured, including Head Constable Muhammad Yousuf and Constable Muhammad Junaid. They were immediately transported to Agha Khan Hospital for medical treatment. "In the retaliatory fire, four terrorists were also injured. Despite being taken to the hospital, they later succumbed to their injuries," the CTD press release stated. The CTD promptly cordoned off the area, deploying additional forces to secure the vicinity. A bomb disposal squad was called to handle potential explosives. Upon entering the house, the squad disposed of several explosives safely. The department recovered a significant haul of weapons and explosives, including five hand grenades, one Kalashnikov rifle, a detonator, 70 feet of detonator wire, and 350 kilogrammes of explosive material. The recovered weapons and explosives were safely transported to a secure location. According to the CTD, the suspected terrorists were part of the Bashir Zaib group and had been planning a major terrorist attack. The press release said the department remained vigilant, focusing its efforts on dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring the safety and security of the public. Last month, terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan launched attacks in several parts of Balochistan, leaving dozens of civilians dead. The attacks prompted Pakistan’s security forces to launch counterterrorism operations against the terrorists.

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