Rana Sanaullah says govt has given FIA go-ahead to arrest ex-finance minister Shaukat Tarin in audio leak case
KARACHI, Feb 12 (SABAH): After completion of an inquiry against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finance czar Senator Shaukat Fayaz Ahned Tarin, the coalition government has allowed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest the former finance minister in a case related to his alleged audio leak, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said on Sunday.
A day earlier, the investigation authority sought the interior ministry’s approval to begin legal proceedings and eventually arrest Tarin for allegedly sabotaging negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF —International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During an interaction with journalists in Karachi on Sunday, Rana Sanaullah said that the government was working day and night for the development of the country. Without naming former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the federal minister said that some politicians were taking forward their wicked agenda.
Referring to the country’s severe economic crisis, Rana Sanaullah said that Imran Khan had signed a deal with the IMF and by following the agreement the country “has reached here”.
Responding to a question, the PML-N senior leader said that they wanted the projects to be completed with the cooperation of China.
Lashing out at the PTI chairman, he said that Imran Khan wanted Pakistan to remain unstable, adding that the former prime minister dissolved two assemblies “forcibly”. “The PML-N does not believe in political victimisation,” the security czar said, adding that Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was arrested for his controversial statements.
While talking about the much in debate issue of the upcoming general elections in the country, he said: “The PML-N is ready for the elections whether it is held in April or October. The country is facing multiple challenges, including economic and law and order.” The incumbent government should complete its constitutional term, he added.
Moreover, the interior minister reiterated that the country’s “economic stability is linked with political stability”.
While accusing a close friend of PTI Chief Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, Rana Sanaullah said Farhat Shehzadi, alias Farah Khan/Gogi, laundered Rs12 billion abroad. He also reiterated allegations against Imran Khan and his wife relating to Toshakhana gifts.
Continuing his criticism of the PTI chief, Rana Sanaullah termed Imran Khan to be a “political terrorist” and said the country would remain “safe from terrorists, including political terrorists like him”.
He said there was “no possibility” of future negotiations with militants since past talks had not proved successful or yielded any results. “There is no doubt that a new wave of terrorism has arrived,” Rana Sanaullah said, adding that law enforcement agencies and security institutions on alert.
Meanwhile Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has directed to take all possible measures to ensure safety of Pakistani and foreign nationals in the country.
He was chairing a meeting in Gwadar on Sunday regarding counterterrorism and security of foreign nationals in the country.
He said fool proof security will be provided to Chinese nationals working at various projects in Pakistan and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.
Rana Sanaullah said one percent amount of all projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been reserved for security arrangements. He said local people should be given priority in recruitment process of security agencies.