Rana Sanaullah rejects US pressure on Imran Khan's release

Rana Sanaullah stated on Tuesday that the Pakistani government would not accept any pressure from the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump regarding the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan or negotiations with the opposition party.

Sanaullah's remarks came in response to a tweet from Richard Grenell, Trump's nominee for envoy on special missions, who called for the release of the former prime minister, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 2023.

Sanaullah stressed that Pakistan would not work under any pressure from the US, stating, "If any intervention is made, we would consider it interference in our sovereignty."

He clarified that the government’s decision not to initiate talks with PTI was not influenced by Trump, asserting that negotiations should be conducted bilaterally between the treasury and the opposition.

He also acknowledged that Pakistan's relations with the US have experienced ups and downs but stressed that Islamabad would not accept anything that goes against its national interests.

Regarding PTI's calls for negotiations, he said the government would not create obstacles if the party sought "conclusive and time-bound" talks. However, he added that the government was not in a rush to convene meetings immediately.

The comments followed a statement by PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, who urged the government to set a timeframe for progress in their negotiations, after meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Khan expressed satisfaction with the initiation of the dialogue process but emphasised the need for a clear timeline for discussions.

The development follows a meeting between the ruling coalition and PTI representatives, aimed at defusing political tensions in the country. The next session of talks is set for January 2, where PTI’s team will present their demands to the government.