Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Monday that negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could recommence if the party guarantees constructive advancement on the counter-terrorism policy. The most recent dialogue between the government and opposition collapsed early Sunday, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of attempting to undermine the talks between the PTI and the federal government. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja countered, asserting that the talks failed primarily because the federal government insisted that all anti-terrorism measures it had unilaterally implemented in KP must be endorsed by the provincial government.
Speaking on a current affairs program, Sanaullah emphasized that the federal government holds constitutional authority to devise counter-terrorism policy, which provincial governments are obligated to implement. He stressed that the provincial government must fully cooperate in enforcing this policy.
He further noted that both military and political leadership are committed to concluding the fight against terrorism. Sanaullah added that political concerns, the health of the PTI founder, and related meeting arrangements had been resolved. Addressing a question, he confirmed that the government had consented to a meeting between the PTI founder and his personal doctors, advising the party to seek court approval for the involvement of personal physicians.
Sanaullah remarked that PTI representatives initially agreed that the federal government would formulate the counter-terrorism policy but later demanded it be based on consensus. He described this stance as constitutionally and legally flawed, explaining that strategic decisions on external aggression are not made in public forums. He maintained that the provincial government cannot compel the federation to reach consensus on such policies.
Regarding cross-border terrorism linked to Afghanistan, Sanaullah pointed out that negotiations with the Taliban have been ongoing for years. He mentioned that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and China have also engaged with the group without securing an agreement. He revealed that individuals involved in terrorist attacks receive training and direction from Afghanistan and claimed that Israeli operatives provide technical training at militant camps there. Notably, he said the Afghan Taliban had not previously used drones.
Referring to the long march led by KP Chief Minister Afridi, Sanaullah estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 participants gathered when it commenced from Lakki Marwat.
On the other hand, PTI leader Asad Qaiser expressed his party’s willingness to resume talks with the government at any time, stating that their concerns had already been presented. He urged the government to clarify its policy direction and approach to the situation. Qaiser warned that if governor’s rule or an emergency were imposed in KP, or if CM Afridi were disqualified, the PTI would withdraw from the assemblies.
He highlighted serious issues in Balochistan, KP, and Kashmir, alleging that PTI ministers and lawmakers in KP were being targeted and detained. Qaiser accused the provincial government of being stripped of its authority and rights, asserting that the chief minister, responsible for law and order, was being prevented from exercising his powers.
Leave an opinion