Sanaullah rules out conditional talks with PTI amid civil disobedience threat
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has dismissed the possibility of engaging in conditional talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following the party’s threat to launch a civil disobedience movement if its demands are not met. Speaking on a television program, Sanaullah affirmed the government’s openness to dialogue but rejected any preconditions set by the opposition.
“We have not closed the door on negotiations,” he stated on Geo News’ Naya Pakistan. However, he emphasized that the PTI’s demands, which include a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots and the November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters as well as the release of political prisoners, are “non-negotiable.”
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PTI’s Stance and Civil Disobedience Threat
Imran Khan, the incarcerated PTI founder, recently announced a five-member committee to negotiate with the government. The committee includes Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser. On social media, Khan reiterated his warning of a civil disobedience movement if the government fails to meet his party’s demands.
The PTI’s recent protest in Islamabad, aimed at securing Imran Khan’s release after over a year of imprisonment, ended abruptly following a government crackdown. Sanaullah criticized the protest as a political failure, predicting that the party’s disobedience movement would also falter, citing the “irreparable political loss” suffered by the PTI.
Government’s Position on PTI Protests
Sanaullah suggested that PTI should approach the courts for the release of its detained members and join the ongoing investigation into the Islamabad protests, which witnessed clashes between law enforcement and PTI supporters. He questioned the rationale behind imposing conditions for negotiations, stating that political disputes should be resolved through constructive dialogue.
Madrassa Registration Legislation and JUI-F Pressure
Separately, Sanaullah addressed concerns from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) over delays in approving the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024, which pertains to madrassa registration. JUI-F Secretary-General Abdul Ghafoor Haideri had earlier warned of a potential march on Islamabad if the bill did not receive presidential approval.
Sanaullah assured that the government remains committed to enacting the legislation, which was part of an agreement with JUI-F for the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The bill, passed by both the National Assembly and Senate in October, awaits the president’s signature.
As political tensions remain high, the government continues to navigate challenges from both opposition forces and coalition partners while maintaining its stance against preconditioned negotiations.
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