Pakistan Will Consider Talks with PTI if US Releases Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, Says Rana Sanaullah

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**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** In a recent statement, **Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah**, remarked that Pakistan could consider discussions with **Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)** if the **United States** were to release **Dr. Aafia Siddiqui**, a Pakistani neuroscientist currently imprisoned in the U.S.

Rana Sanaullah emphasized that negotiations between the opposition and the government should be conducted on a mutual level, and that such talks should not be dictated by external pressures. He mentioned that the government did not initiate talks with PTI due to the influence of former U.S. President **Donald Trump**, and that Pakistan also had legitimate concerns regarding Aafia Siddiqui’s prolonged incarceration in the U.S.

“I have heard from well-informed sources that there was significant pressure on the U.S. to release **Shakil Afridi** as he is considered a hero by Pakistan. However, Pakistan made it clear that if the U.S. wanted Afridi’s release, they would have to release **Aafia Siddiqui** first. The U.S. responded that Aafia was sentenced by their court system, but Pakistan countered that Afridi was also convicted by our courts,” Sanaullah stated.

Regarding the **PTI** and their demands for talks, Rana Sanaullah stressed that it was unlikely that both parties would fully agree on each other’s terms. “We are not looking to meet PTI’s demands immediately or without a clear understanding. However, if PTI is ready to reach a conclusion, we will not stand in the way. If they wish to set a timeframe, we are open to it,” he added.

Sanaullah also addressed the issue of **criminal cases** against PTI leaders, emphasizing that the government operates within the **framework of law**. “If someone is facing trial and is in judicial custody, the government cannot intervene to release them. How can we release someone who is undergoing a criminal trial?” he questioned, referring to the legal process.

The Prime Minister’s advisor also raised concerns over the call for a **judicial commission** on criminal cases against PTI leaders, pointing out the contradiction in such demands. “There are numerous cases filed against us; did anyone call for a judicial commission in those cases?” he asked.

Regarding the role of external influence, particularly from the U.S., Sanaullah made it clear that Pakistan would not take any action under **foreign pressure**. “We will not act under the pressure of Donald Trump or anyone else. Any intervention will be seen as an infringement on our sovereignty. We will not be swayed by tweets or statements from foreign governments,” he stated firmly.

The statement reflects the government’s stance on maintaining sovereignty and ensuring that domestic legal matters are handled independently of external pressures.