ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Rana Sanaullah has once again urged opposition parties to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that political discussions are crucial for reforming the system and strengthening parliamentary democracy.
While addressing the Senate, Sanaullah who also serves as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs described the recent appointment of opposition leaders in both the National Assembly and Senate as a “positive step.” He stressed that all political factions must collaborate to enhance governance and stability. Sanaullah recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has previously extended multiple offers for talks with the opposition.
Attempts at negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the main opposition party, were made at the end of December last year, following over a year of tense relations, but these efforts did not lead to any resolution. Several subsequent initiatives to revive dialogue also failed. Recently, PTI leader Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, authorized Achakzai and Senator Allama Raja Nasir to decide on the possibility and framework of future talks. Achakzai heads the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan, while Raja Nasir is its vice-chairman.
In a separate statement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue with PTI, but questioned the opposition’s sincerity, claiming PTI’s stance appeared inconsistent. Speaking to Geo News from Parliament House, Asif pointed out that PTI leaders have adopted differing positions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in parliament, and abroad, which he argued made it difficult to discern their true intentions.
The minister criticized PTI members who have used hostile language from outside Pakistan, suggesting they should be restrained first. He accused some PTI figures of deliberately issuing provocative statements against the country as part of a calculated strategy. Asif warned that negotiations could only be successful if PTI demonstrated genuine intent, and likened the current situation to a game of cards, with the party playing double games.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan firmly denied any backdoor contacts, asserting that PTI’s stance was transparent—if any secret negotiations were happening, the party would openly admit it. He stated that currently, no contacts were ongoing with any party, including the establishment. Gohar praised the opposition leaders’ recent speeches, calling their messages constructive and emphasizing that egos should be set aside for progress. He expressed optimism that Achakzai would play a significant role in moving forward.
Gohar also warned that PTI had conveyed to the government that meaningful dialogue required mutual goodwill. He cautioned that if the government resorted to force, protests would again erupt. The PTI leader reiterated that PTI’s mandate was “stolen” on February 8, asserting that the party’s stance on the matter remained unchanged.
