Summary Rana Sanaullah says talks with PTI may be considered if it follows constitutional and legal means, urging national unity against terrorism and alleging Indian support for militancy.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said the government may consider negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) if the party agrees to play a constructive role within constitutional and legal parameters.
Speaking on a private television programme, Rana Sanaullah said the opposition’s approach was causing harm to the party itself. He said that during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister, he had not even contacted the opposition leader by telephone, whereas Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shook hands and spoke with the opposition leader when he arrived in the National Assembly.
Rana Sanaullah expresses regret over detention of Imran Khan’s sisters
Rana Sanaullah expressed regret over the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters, saying the government was also saddened by the situation. However, he said everyone knew what they had been saying regarding the long march.
He alleged that Imran Khan’s sisters had made statements about storming the Governor House, adding that their detention had become necessary to maintain control of the situation.
The prime minister’s adviser said the nature of statements made by PTI’s social media network was also well known. He maintained that if the party had agreed to play its role through constitutional and legal means, there would have been no need for an interim arrangement. However, he said the possibility of reconsidering the matter remained open.
Rana Sanaullah warns of security threats
Warning about the security situation, Rana Sanaullah said the country's existence could be threatened if terrorism was not eliminated promptly and the nation failed to unite against it.
He stressed that federal and provincial governments needed to adopt a uniform policy to tackle terrorism effectively.
India accused of supporting terrorism in Pakistan
Rana Sanaullah claimed that India was no longer in a position to fight Pakistan through conventional warfare and alleged that it had established bases in Afghanistan.
He further alleged that India was financing terrorist activities in Pakistan, adding that the wider region viewed Pakistan as a security provider.
