Attack on Imran Khan is clear case of ‘religious extremism’: Rana Sanaullah

Islamabad_Federal 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 the principle suspect emerged after phones of police staff was confiscated.Noting that the Punjab government had moved swiftly to suspend all the officers of the Gujrat police station, where the suspect was kept in custody and interrogated, he raised questions.“I am wondering how can someone can release such a damaging statement of the suspect.

”He also asked whether the original statement of the suspect was leaked or deliberately released to the public.Defending the role played by the federal government in the entire incident, the interior minister said that they had already informed the PTI leadership and Imran Khan about security threats and federal government again informed them about the looming threats after the confessional video statement of the suspect went viral.“I again urge him to install a [bulletproof ]shield on his container,” Sanaullah urged.

Should another untoward incident take place, the interior minister said that the 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 has the Punjab police waited so long to register a First Investigation Report (FIR) about the incident nearly 24 hours after it took place.“I think! they (PTI leadership) are managing the things,” he said, adding that “Without prior evidence, they have already blamed the federal government, which is condemnable.”He pointed to the confessional statement of the suspect which explains the reasons for his attack, and in the wake of his statement, the PTI leadership must remain responsible.“Allegations were levelled against three people without any evidence.”

The minister said that no efforts were made by the government to halt the long march, adding that the government is afraid of neither Imran Khan nor long march.

Replying to a question, Rana Sanaullah hinted that Prime Minister Shehbaz could visit the recuperating Imran in the hospital as a goodwill gesture to inquire after his health.

The prime minister has not taken any decision so far, but he can take any call in this regard, the interior minister informed.