ISLAMABAD (MNN); Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Friday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would take a decision on negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) once the opposition clarifies its position on dialogue.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an offer for talks with the opposition but stressed that any dialogue could only take place on legitimate and constitutional matters.
While PTI, on the directives of its founder Imran Khan, rejected talks with the government, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), of which PTI is a part, expressed willingness to engage in negotiations.
Speaking on Geo News programme Naya Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah said that around 85 per cent of TTAP consists of PTI members who have categorically stated they will not take part in talks. He said the remaining opposition includes TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He expressed hope that either the entire opposition would come to the negotiating table or at least the 15 per cent who are open to dialogue would move forward.
The PM’s aide said the government’s objective has always been dialogue but raised concerns over engaging with PTI, alleging that the party simultaneously prepares for agitation and condemnation while sitting for talks.
He warned that if PTI continued planning street protests and attempts to create disorder, the law would take its course, after which the party would complain about action being taken against it.
Rana Sanaullah said PTI first needs to clarify its position before responding meaningfully to the prime minister’s invitation. He added that once clarity is received, the PM will decide whether to form a committee or hold direct talks.
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister’s aide on information Shafiullah Jan reiterated PTI’s refusal to hold talks with the current government, saying the party wants a result-oriented process rather than unconditional negotiations.
He said Imran Khan had assigned responsibility for talks to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and MWM Senator Allama Raja Nasir, adding that drafts prepared during TTAP meetings clearly state that unconditional dialogue will not begin.
Shafiullah Jan said PTI’s conditions include fresh elections under a new Election Commission, the release of Imran Khan, senior PTI leaders and family members.
He maintained that Achakzai has full authority over decisions related to negotiations, condemnation, street protests or marches, and PTI would support whatever course he chooses.
The need for dialogue continues to be highlighted amid Pakistan’s ongoing political crisis. During a recent TTAP conference, opposition leaders agreed that the door to dialogue must remain open in a democracy, while political figures across the spectrum have called for restraint and negotiations to restore stability.
