Rana Sanaullah denies any backchannel deal with Imran Khan
“Rana Sanaullah says the government has neither made nor received any proposal for a deal with PTI founder Imran Khan.”
Key points
- Rana Sanaullah says the government has neither made nor received any proposal for a deal with PTI founder Imran Khan.
- He urges PTI to sign a “Charter of Stability” for talks while reiterating May 9 apology as a key prerequisite and stating Imran is receiving proper medical care.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan has dismissed reports of any arrangement between the government and PTI founder Imran Khan, saying no deal has been made and none is expected.
He said the claim surfaced shortly after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar publicly rejected speculation about a possible understanding with the jailed former premier. Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, Sanaullah maintained that neither the government nor the establishment had offered such a deal.
Sanaullah said the government’s position on talks with PTI is open and straightforward, urging the party to agree to what he described as a “Charter of Stability for Pakistan” so political forces can sit together and strengthen the country.
He recalled that a serious engagement took place on November 24 involving Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials, along with PTI leaders including Asad Qaiser and Amir Dogar, but said the effort did not progress because Imran Khan refused to accept the proposed terms.
According to Sanaullah, a key condition for meaningful dialogue remains a clear apology for the May 9 incidents, an issue he said has been repeatedly underscored by official quarters. He also claimed that those familiar with discussions indicated Imran Khan had initially agreed to apologise but did not follow through.
He further rejected the notion that Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas had been formally authorised as negotiators, saying their involvement did not amount to a mandate. Sanaullah added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended offers for dialogue on multiple occasions.
Addressing concerns raised by Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, Sanaullah said the PTI founder is receiving appropriate medical care and could be moved to a hospital such as Shifa International or another facility if doctors recommend it. He also downplayed PTI’s newly announced “force”, predicting it would fail like previous protest drives.
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