After the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) dismissed claims that its leader directed them to engage in talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other parties, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated that Nawaz Sharif seeks unconditional dialogue with all parties, including the PTI.
Sanaullah emphasized that this position had been communicated to PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly during an interview with a local TV channel on Wednesday.
His remarks followed Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s firm denial that the ruling party had received any specific instructions from Nawaz to initiate discussions with the main opposition party. Asif asserted that unless the PTI apologized for the violent events of May 9, there would be no progress in negotiations.
Additionally, Asif criticized the PTI, mentioning that the Prime Minister had even invited the party, founded by Imran Khan, to sign a charter of economy, but there was no response from Khan or his ministers.
“PM Shehbaz shook hands with everyone two weeks ago and offered unconditional talks.”
Sanaullah recalled that Nawaz had called on all stakeholders to come together to help the country out of its crisis, reiterating this message during a recent PML-N leadership meeting.
He also urged the PTI to adopt a less “stubborn attitude” to ensure productive discussions.
These statements from ruling party leaders emerged amid reports that the PML-N had allegedly reached out to Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai to facilitate talks with the PTI.
Achakzai was appointed by imprisoned Imran Khan to negotiate with the ruling parties. Regarding Achakzai’s offer for dialogue, he mentioned that the PML-N had also spoken with the PkMAP chief, who expressed a desire to move forward.
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Sanaullah stated that the PML-N is committed to democracy and dialogue as a means to resolve political issues.
Regarding the resignation of Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, he noted that it might be challenging for Mengal to retract his resignation quickly. Mengal had resigned from the lower house of parliament the previous day, citing the “worsening situation” in Balochistan and expressing “no confidence” in the state, president, and prime minister.
Despite meeting with a government delegation led by Sanaullah, who assured him that his concerns would be addressed, Mengal remained firm in his decision. Sanaullah emphasized that they agreed to prioritize the resolution of issues in Balochistan and highlighted that the government acknowledged the importance of Mengal’s presence in parliament for the province.
