Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah, said the government’s doors for talks remain open. He urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to focus on resolving political issues rather than pursuing personal interests.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Rana Sanaullah said political differences could only be addressed through dialogue. He said the government was prepared to engage in talks, but political demands could not be accepted by holding the state hostage.
Rana Sanaullah said political instability in the country had continued since 2014. He alleged that attempts to surround Islamabad had remained a central part of PTI’s political strategy since protests in the capital that year.
The prime minister’s adviser said PTI should put national interests ahead of personal interests and work toward resolving outstanding issues. He also said the deadlock in negotiations was being presented in a misleading manner.
Rana Sanaullah further claimed that only a few thousand people had gathered since October 4. He maintained that no political group could force the state to accept its demands through protests or by creating pressure around government institutions.
Discussing Afghanistan, the adviser said the Afghan regime had been urged not to allow its territory to be used against Pakistan. He said the country’s policy toward Afghanistan had broad national support, while claiming that PTI was not aligned with that position.
Rana Sanaullah also said intelligence-based operations against militants would continue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He questioned whether police and customs personnel killed in such operations belonged to a particular political party or province, stressing the need to view the security issue from a national perspective.
