Rana Sanaullah: No Channel Open Between PTI and Establishment, Political Talks Must Be Between Parties

Islamabad:Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Advisor and member of the government’s negotiating committee with PTI, Rana Sanaullah, has made it clear that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) does not have any direct communication channel with the military establishment, and political negotiations must occur at the party level. He emphasized that no alternative options are available for resolving political disputes.

In an interview, Sanaullah stated that democracy progresses through dialogue, not deadlock. He also assured that the government would not create any obstacles in ongoing legal cases related to PTI, offering to provide this in writing to PTI.

Sanaullah’s comments came after rumors circulated that PTI and the establishment had reached an agreement following a meeting between PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s representative Barrister Gohar and Army Chief General Asim Munir in Peshawar. However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) clarified the meeting was related to security matters in the province, and not political discussions.

Sanaullah further emphasized that although PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur regularly holds meetings, there is no political dialogue taking place with the establishment. He also rejected the notion that discussions would occur at such a high level, asserting that any potential talks with the establishment would need to be handled through political parties.

The Advisor also addressed PTI’s demands for a judicial commission on the May 9 incidents, suggesting that PTI seeks to avoid investigations into the masterminds of the events. Sanaullah expressed concerns that PTI might be hoping to secure amnesty for their members through such a commission.

The third round of negotiations between the government and PTI’s negotiating committees took place today, with PTI presenting its demands in writing, to which the government will respond formally.