Moonis' statement on Gen Bajwa casts doubt over army's apolitical narrative: Rana Sanaullah

• Sanaullah says Imran Khan will go behind bars for his "dark deeds".
• Says govt has made no final decision on no-trust motion in Punjab.
• Says "no backdoor links" with PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervez Elahi.

LAHORE: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Saturday that Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Moonis Elahi's statement regarding former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa's advice has raised doubt over the army's narrative of being "apolitical" and that an explanation should be given.

The interior minister's remarks came a day after Moonis' revelation that (retd) Gen Bajwa had advised PML-Q to back Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) when the no-confidence motion was moved against former prime minister Imran Khan.

"Gen Bajwa has retired after completing his full term. His benefits and losses don't matter," Sanaullah said while speaking to the media this morning in Lahore.

He said that the former army chief, on the institution's behalf, maintained a narrative before the nation that it has no links with politics.

"Now, Moonis Elahi's statement has cast doubt over the institution's narrative so it should be clarified," Sanaullah said.

The minister further stated that the government and the nation has trust that the commitment the military leadership and institution have made to the nation is "true" and "respectable". 

He said that the institution will perform its national duty in the country's service under the same commitment so that politics progresses and matters advance in the country's favour.

'No decision on no-confidence move in Punjab'

While speaking about the possibility of moving a no-confidence motion against Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Sanaullah said that no final decision has been made on it. 

He said that the stakeholders held a meeting on Friday and another meeting will be held today as well and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif's advice will be taken.

"I personally believe that we should keep the federal government in its place in case the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies are dissolved," he said, adding that the assemblies in Sindh and Balochistan will remain in place as the two governments have refused to dissolve the bodies.

He said that the ruling coalition will be in a better position whether there are by-polls or a general election in Punjab.

Economic crisis

Moving on to the economic crisis, the federal minister admitted that the incumbent government has failed to reduce inflation.

"The destruction Imran's [Khan] government brought, [we] have controlled only up till now," Sanaullah said while vowing to limit inflation in the days ahead.

He further stated that they will put facts forward when elections come.

"We will tell [the people] that this destruction hasn't been caused in six months but in three years. I hope the nation will believe us," he said.

"People will listen to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif when he will lead the election campaign. It is certain that Nawaz Sharif will come back when the Punjab assembly or general elections are held," he said.

'Watches theft brought disgrace to country and nation'

Sanaullah criticised PTI Chairman Imran Khan saying that he brought disgrace to the country and the nation by "stealing" the Toshakhana watches.

"Imran Khan has to go behind bars for his dark deeds," he said.

Moreover, the minister said that in politics, one has to work together because no progress can be made without talks and negotiations.

He, however, said that the ruling coalition has no backdoor links with Elahi and it will be publicised if there are any talks with the PML-Q leader.