Islamabad (Pakistan Khabar) — Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, has said there is currently little hope of a major breakthrough in negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, he added that the issues between the government and PTI are not so complicated that dialogue must be completely ruled out.
Speaking on a private television programme, Rana Sanaullah said contacts had continued even after negotiations with PTI ended. According to him, Mohsin Naqvi remains in contact with PTI leaders, while phone conversations have also taken place with Gohar Khan, Aamir Dogar and Asad Qaiser.
He said PTI and the government have their own political positions, but restarting negotiations without some agreement or understanding would not be particularly useful. He added that dialogue could resume if consensus were reached on an issue.
According to Rana Sanaullah, the government is assessing the prospects for negotiations while also monitoring the situation surrounding PTI’s long march.
He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to play its role in the fight against terrorism, saying provincial government cooperation is extremely important for success in this campaign. He said many problems could be resolved if the provincial government fulfilled its responsibilities.
He stressed that cooperation was essential for the success of the operation, as the police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other civil administrative arrangements fall under the provincial government’s responsibility.
Speaking about meetings with the PTI founder and matters relating to his medical treatment, the prime minister’s adviser said these issues should be handled in accordance with the law and prison rules.
He explained that Tuesday had been designated for meetings with the PTI founder, but instructions had been given that these meetings should not be used for political purposes.
Rana Sanaullah said the political use of these meetings had subsequently led to problems. According to him, detailed discussions had taken place on all matters, including meetings with the PTI founder, and it had also been agreed that a platform for negotiations would be provided if any issue arose.