Nawaz ready for talks with all political parties, including PTI: Sanaullah

 

Rana Sanaullah urges PTI to change "stubborn attitude" for making the talks fruitful

 In a significant political development, Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, announced that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is willing to engage in unconditional dialogue with all political parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Sanaullah’s statement, delivered during a press conference, signals a potential shift in the political landscape.

His comments came just days after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) dismissed reports claiming that Nawaz Sharif had issued instructions to begin talks with the opposition parties, including PTI.

“We have always maintained the same position when speaking with PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly,” Sanaullah remarked during an interview on a local TV channel on Wednesday.

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had strongly refuted the notion that the ruling party received any specific directives from Nawaz Sharif to start a dialogue with PTI. Asif clarified that any progress in talks would only be possible if PTI first apologized for the violent incidents that occurred on May 9.

Taking a dig at PTI, Asif revealed that the Prime Minister had even suggested that PTI sign a "charter of economy" as a way forward, but neither Imran Khan nor any of his party members responded to the proposal.

In his latest remarks, Sanaullah pointed out that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended an offer of unconditional talks just two weeks ago, signaling a readiness to engage with all political actors.

Sanaullah recalled that Nawaz Sharif has consistently urged all key stakeholders to come together in order to pull the country out of its current crises. He emphasized that Nawaz reiterated this position during a recent meeting of PML-N’s top leadership.

He further urged PTI to abandon its "stubborn attitude" to make the dialogue process fruitful, stressing that constructive talks require flexibility from all sides.

The statements from PML-N leaders came amid rumors that the party had reached out to Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai to facilitate dialogue with PTI.

Achakzai, who leads the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan, was reportedly nominated by the incarcerated PTI leader Imran Khan to act as a mediator between his party and the ruling coalition.

Commenting on this development, Sanaullah confirmed that PML-N had indeed spoken with Achakzai, who was also keen on finding a way forward through dialogue.

Sanaullah reiterated that PML-N firmly believes in democracy and dialogue as the best means to resolve political differences.

Addressing the recent resignation of Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal from the National Assembly, Sanaullah acknowledged that it might not be easy for Mengal to immediately reverse his decision.

Mengal’s resignation, which came in response to the deteriorating situation in Balochistan, was a major blow to the government. The BNP-M chief expressed his lack of confidence in the state, the president, and the prime minister.

Sanaullah explained that a government delegation, which included himself, had met with Mengal to address his concerns. While Mengal was adamant about his resignation, the government assured him that his grievances would be addressed, especially regarding the pressing issues in Balochistan.

In his remarks, Sanaullah emphasized that resolving the problems of Balochistan remains a top priority for the government. He added that Mengal’s presence in the National Assembly is crucial for the province, and the government remains hopeful that an agreement can be reached.