ISLAMABAD ( The COW News Digital) Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has claimed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet formed on the advice of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan will be declared null and void under the law.
Speaking on Geo News’ talk show Capital Talk, Rana Sanaullah cited a previous Supreme Court judgment in the case of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He argued that once a person has been declared a convicted offender, they lose the legal authority to lead a political party or participate in any of its decision-making processes.
Referring to the ruling, he stated, “The Supreme Court’s decision in the Nawaz Sharif case makes it clear that a convicted individual cannot serve as the head of a political party, nor can they be part of any decision-making within the party. If they are, then any decision taken under their advice will be considered void.”
Rana Sanaullah’s remarks come amid growing political controversy surrounding the recently formed KP cabinet, which opposition parties allege was constituted based on Imran Khan’s directives from jail. The PTI, however, maintains that its leadership decisions remain within legal bounds and reflect the party’s democratic framework.
Responding to Rana Sanaullah’s claim during the same program, PTI representative Barrister Umair Niazi challenged the government to facilitate a meeting between CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan. “If the court then rules that the cabinet is unconstitutional, we are ready to sacrifice our government,” Niazi asserted.
The exchange highlights deepening political tensions between the ruling coalition and the PTI over constitutional interpretations regarding Imran Khan’s political role following his conviction.
Legal experts have noted that the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict against Nawaz Sharif established a precedent that bars convicted individuals from holding any party office or influencing internal party decisions. Whether this precedent can be applied directly to PTI’s current situation remains a subject of debate among constitutional lawyers.
As the political standoff continues, the matter could soon head to the courts if the federal government decides to formally challenge the legitimacy of the KP cabinet appointments.
