Pakistan’s Political Affairs Advisor Rana Sanaullah said the main obstacle to dialogue is former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He stressed that the government has not sidelined anyone in the negotiation process. Sanaullah claimed that any delay or ambiguity comes from PTI’s leadership, not the government.
In an interview with a private TV channel, he said PTI’s second- and third-tier leaders support talks, but the party founder controls dialogue decisions. He added that founder Imran Khan has not granted authority to anyone else to negotiate. Aliyah Khan confirmed that potential negotiators are not authorized by PTI’s top leadership.
Read more: Minus Imran not a condition to talks, confirms PM’s aide
Sanaullah said PTI sent messages supporting strike actions instead of dialogue, and the founder has consistently blocked negotiations since 2011. He stressed the government remains fully committed to talks, but PTI shows uncertainty. He asked why PTI hasn’t acknowledged the Prime Minister’s offers or proposed meeting times.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered to meet in the Speaker’s chamber without any preconditions. The government’s position is clear: PTI can meet the Prime Minister freely, and discussions will proceed openly. Sanaullah said previous attempts also required founder approval, and government facilitation remains available.
Read more: Imran Khan and allies seek chaos, not politics: Rana Sanaullah
Sanaullah said the National Assembly will soon settle leadership decisions, and PTI should negotiate directly with the Prime Minister. He emphasized the government never tried to sideline anyone. Instead, PTI members attempted to block talks, and now the government remains ready to move forward.