Rana Sanaullah Confirms Backchannel Contacts with PTI, Urges Talks Between PM and Opposition Leader
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that backchannel contacts are underway with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying he could not disclose the identities of those involved because doing so could create problems for them.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Rana Sanaullah said discussions had also taken place during a PTI parliamentary party meeting regarding alleged attempts to sabotage the negotiation process.
He said it would be appropriate for the opposition leader to meet the prime minister so that the dialogue process could move forward.
Rana Sanaullah noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had personally approached the opposition leader at his seat in parliament. He questioned the logic behind the opposition leader’s reluctance to meet the prime minister at the Prime Minister’s House.
The adviser further said that PTI had not indicated any change in its policy, even during the off-the-record meetings held with the party’s representatives.
He stressed that the opposition leader should first meet the prime minister and that PTI should subsequently return to the parliamentary committees.
Rana Sanaullah’s remarks indicate that informal contacts between the government and PTI are continuing, although a breakthrough in the negotiations has yet to be announced.
