Advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that the government will keep the establishment on board during possible negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The prime minister’s assistant expressed these views while speaking. Geo News program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Saat’ on Wednesday amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the talks between the government and the opposition.
“Negotiations with PTI will be subject to the approval of party chief Nawaz Sharif,” Sanaullah said in response to a question on whether the government had a mandate to negotiate with the Imran Khan-founded party.
He added: “So is whatever decision PTI takes. [in talks with government] Subject to the approval of PTI founder.
The remarks came against the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the PTI government’s talks, which has been the talk of the town since party founder Imran Khan formed a five-member negotiating committee.
A committee comprising opposition leader Umar Ayub Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser were among the “political prisoners” facing trial. Ordered to seek release. 9 May 2023 and formation of a judicial commission to probe the late night incidents 26 November crackdown on Tehreek-e-Insaaf protesters.
The former ruling party had also announced the launch of a civil disobedience movement – which Khan now called “a few days” at the “request of PTI leaders”. It has been postponed.
Earlier today, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed his willingness to play his role in the possible negotiations between the finance and opposition benches.
Sanaullah said during the interview today that he has spoken to the speaker and negotiations can start by Sunday.
He said that the Prime Minister had clearly said in the House that he was ready to discuss every issue.
Adviser to Prime Minister said that if Tehreek-e-Insaf is in a hurry to start civil disobedience movement, then it can fulfill its wish. However, he added, the party would not gain anything from it and would fail.
Sanaullah further said that no offer was made to release the PTI founder. He emphasized that political issues are solved only through dialogue.