Rana Sanaullah Hints at Considering Imran Khan’s Political Situation Based on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Release
Islamabad:Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, **Rana Sanaullah**, has hinted that the resolution of **Imran Khan’s** political troubles could be linked to the release of **Dr. Aafia Siddiqui** from the United States. During a discussion on a private TV channel, Rana Sanaullah remarked that if the U.S. were to release Dr. Aafia, then the government could consider thinking about **Imran Khan**.
### **Rana Sanaullah’s Remarks on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Release:**
Rana Sanaullah stated,
“If the United States releases Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, then we may consider Imran Khan’s situation.”
He further added,
“We did not initiate negotiations with the U.S. during **Donald Trump’s** presidency because Aafia Siddiqui has been imprisoned in the U.S. for years, and we will raise this issue as well.”
### **Government’s Stance on Opposition Talks:**
Rana Sanaullah also spoke about the possibility of talks between the government and the opposition.
“There is no obstruction from our side, but if **PTI** wants to reach a resolution quickly, we are ready to set a time frame,” he said.
However, he emphasized that not all demands of either side may align, and immediate talks cannot be expected.
### **Legal Position on Imran Khan’s Release:**
Sanaullah made it clear that the government cannot release any individual in violation of the **constitution and law**.
“If a person is under judicial custody and facing trial, how can the government release them?” he questioned. He also expressed confusion about the notion of a **judicial commission**, pointing out that similar commissions were never formed when cases were registered against **PML-N** leaders.
### **Reaction to U.S. Pressure:**
The PML-N leader reiterated that Pakistan would not act under pressure from former U.S. President **Donald Trump**.
“We will not make decisions under external pressure. Any interference will be considered an intrusion into our sovereignty. We do not take action based on tweets or statements,” he stated.
He called for dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition at the national level to foster political stability.
### **Shakil Afridi and Aafia Siddiqui Exchange:**
Rana Sanaullah also discussed the issue of **Shakil Afridi’s** release, stating that he had heard from informed sources that there was significant pressure from the U.S. to release Afridi, considering him a ‘hero.’
“Pakistan’s response was clear: if the U.S. wants to take Shakil Afridi, they must first release Aafia Siddiqui. The reply from the U.S. was that Aafia Siddiqui had been sentenced by their court. Similarly, Shakil Afridi was also convicted in Pakistan’s courts,” he said.
### **No Concern Over U.S. Political Changes:**
Responding to questions about political changes in the U.S., Rana Sanaullah assured that the **Pakistani government** would not be rattled.
“The Prime Minister has clearly stated that we will defend our sovereignty and our rights. We have faced challenges in our relations with the U.S. in the past, and we will not accept anything that goes against our national interests,” he concluded.
### **Conclusion:**
Rana Sanaullah’s remarks underline the importance of **Aafia Siddiqui’s** release as a potential factor influencing Pakistan’s stance on Imran Khan’s political future. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uphold legal procedures and sovereignty while calling for constructive dialogue between the government and opposition to resolve national issues.
