Tirah rumours Indian conspiracy, IBO to be launched: Rana Sana

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Rana Sanaullah on Monday said the rumours spread regarding the Tirah incident were an Indian conspiracy and added that the government had decided to launch an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the area.

The federal government won’t allow the situation to worsen, said the senior politician in a policy statement.

His comments cam a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Shehbaz vowed to root out terrorism after the terrorists opened fire on locals in Tirah, killing several of them.

The special assistant was talking to Asma Shirazi — the host of Faisla Aap Ka — the host of the prime time programme aired by HUM News.

Read more: Shehbaz Sharif promises to root out terrorism after Tirah deaths

Pakistan has been very clear in stating that India is patronising the terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. That’s social media was flooded with disinformation soon after the incident in Tirah.

In this context, the special assistant to the prime minister said India faced in the recent war and Pakistan would overcome all the challenges in an effective manner.

Expressing the government’s resolve, he said, “It is a matter of Pakistan’s [territorial] integrity. There is no room for any thing [lenient approach].”

MAY 9 CHARGES ARE GENUINE

During the programme, Rana Sana said the charges against Imran Khan, the PTI founding chairman, were based upon facts. Imran would get the punishment for what he had done, he added.

In this context, he said that Barrister Gohar was a seasoned lawyer and he understood the nature of cases filed against the PTI founder.

Read more: Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid convicted in Sherpao bridge case

NO PTI MOVEMENT IN SIGHT

He was also asked about the planned PTI movement from August 5, meant to get Imran released from the Adiala jail where he is languishing since his conviction in graft cases.

“We are not seeing any PTI movement,” remarked Rana Sana.

He also quipped the movement isn’t designed for Imran’s release and, therefore, there is no question of its success or failure.

At the same time, Rana Sana said they might be able to meet success in their judicial struggle, but added that the courts would decide the matter on merit and justice.

While stating that “we cannot predict,” the PML-N leader predicted that the sentencing of Imran would stay and he couldn’t see out of the prison in near future.

Meanwhile, he remarked that Qasim and Sulaiman — the two sons of Imran — should meet their father, but their US visit won’t produce any desired result.

GANDAPUR’S STATEMENT MEANINGLESS

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is known for his “flamboyant” nature and regularly issues aggressive statements. Recently, he even questioned the visits of federal cabinet members — Ishaq Dar and Mohsin Naqvi — to Afghanistan and said they won’t allow any operation against Khawarij, the terrorists.

It an immediate reaction from Naqvi, the interior minister.

Read more: Naqvi to Gandapur: Will use all resources against terrorists

However, it seems the federal government as a whole isn’t much concerned about the chief minister.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s statements do not carry any meaning [importance], Rana Sana told Shirazi.

According to the special assistant, Gandapur indulges in this practice to save his job and politics. He would continue working like he has been during the past year and a half. Gandapur extends cooperation whenever required.

It’s a developing story. Details to follow.