Rana Sanaullah says Sohail Warraich columns escalated situation, calls for closure

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 August 2025 |  JP Staff Report

Rana Sanaullah addressed the tensions arising from Sohail Warraich's columns, highlighting the need to calm the escalating situation. He called for an end to the discussion, emphasizing the military's concise response.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah Khan, on Saturday commented on the growing controversy surrounding journalist Sohail Warraich’s columns. Speaking to journalists, he said that while Warraich’s original commentary was accurate, the subsequent online reaction escalated tensions significantly.

“As far as whatever he said, it was correct. But then there were vlogs and the issue was discussed widely, and the situation flared up so much that the institution (military) could not afford it,” Rana Sanaullah noted. He also implied that additional columns by Warraich on the same topic further amplified public debate, contributing to the heightened situation.

The advisor highlighted that the military’s response came through a statement issued by the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), which he described as “short, concise but comprehensive.” He urged that the matter now be considered resolved, stating, “I think this issue should be closed now, and let’s not drag it anymore.”

The remarks come amid ongoing discussions in Pakistan about press freedom, the role of social media in shaping public opinion, and the delicate balance between journalistic critique and institutional sensitivity. Analysts say this incident underscores the increasing influence of online discourse in political matters.