Rana Sanaullah says PTI not serious about talks, rejects calls focused solely on Imran Khan’s release
The federal government has strongly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) newly launched anti-government movement, accusing the former ruling party of attempting to destabilize the country and bypassing democratic channels in favor of seeking intervention from the establishment.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, said during a Monday appearance on Geo News’ Geo Pakistan that PTI’s current agitation campaign, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, appears to be “an orchestrated attempt to derail stability” achieved in recent months.
Sanaullah pointed to Gandapur’s recent declaration that the movement would reach its peak by August 5 coinciding with PTI founder Imran Khan’s two-year jail anniversary and labelled the rhetoric surrounding the 90-day timeline as “a threat disguised as political activity.”
“Their own leadership has admitted that their talks aren’t with political parties but with so-called decision-makers. What dialogue is left if the politicians are being sidelined?” Sanaullah asked.
PTI Avoiding Real Dialogue: Sanaullah
The senior PML-N leader emphasized that while the government is open to negotiations for the sake of national stability, PTI’s refusal to engage with political forces underlines its lack of seriousness.
“They are not even willing to talk about Imran Khan’s release themselves,” Sanaullah said, referring to earlier negotiations where PTI leaders stated Khan wished to be acquitted on merit by courts, not through political settlements.
He continued, “Now they are launching protests and simultaneously claiming to seek dialogue but with the establishment, not the elected representatives or political parties. This exposes their true intention.”
Sanaullah reiterated that protesting peacefully is a democratic right, but warned that any attempt to disrupt public order or instigate unrest will be met with legal consequences.
“If they stay within the law, there will be no problem. The local administration will allow their events as long as public safety is ensured,” he said.
PTI’s Dual Approach Questioned
Commenting further on Gandapur’s Lahore visit and fiery press conference alongside PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja and others, Sanaullah questioned the logic of launching a full-fledged protest campaign while also claiming readiness for negotiations.
“Why the August 5 protest movement if you are serious about talks? Why the ultimatum of 90 days? It only shows that PTI wants agitation, not resolution,” he remarked.
Focus Must Be on ‘Charter of Economy’
In a more conciliatory tone, the adviser stressed the government’s desire to achieve long-term economic stability, inviting all political stakeholders including PTI to work towards a ‘Charter of Economy’.
“There is no demand from our side. Our only goal is economic revival. If PTI genuinely wants to contribute to Pakistan’s stability, we are ready to sit together and form a consensus on core economic policies,” he said.
Sanaullah concluded by saying that Pakistan’s progress depends on cooperation, not confrontation, and urged PTI to abandon its confrontational approach and join the national dialogue through legitimate political channels.
The government’s remarks come amid growing political tensions as PTI prepares to escalate its campaign in the lead-up to August 5, raising fears of renewed political polarization in an already fragile economic and security climate.
