Rana Sanaullah urges opposition to resume talks for political reforms

PML-N Senator Rana Sanaullah has renewed an appeal for political dialogue with the opposition, arguing that sustained engagement is necessary to strengthen parliamentary democracy and improve governance. Speaking in the Senate, he described the appointment of opposition leaders in both houses as a constructive development and said parties should work together to reform the system.\n\nHe also pointed to previous outreach by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and recalled that an earlier attempt to open talks with PTI late last year did not produce results, with subsequent efforts also failing to revive negotiations.\n\nThe report notes that PTI’s jailed founder, Imran Khan, has tasked Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Allama Raja Nasir with deciding whether, with whom and how talks should proceed.\n\nSeparately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the government remained willing to talk but questioned PTI’s seriousness, claiming the party takes different positions across forums and locations. He said meaningful negotiations require ending abusive rhetoric, particularly statements made from abroad, and accused the opposition of leaving space to backtrack.\n\nPTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan rejected claims of backdoor contacts, saying there is currently no engagement with any power centre and that any such contacts would not be concealed. He welcomed the opposition leaders’ notifications and urged political actors to set aside egos. He also warned that heavy-handed tactics could prompt renewed protests and reiterated PTI’s claim that its mandate was taken away in the February 8 election.