Adviser to the prime minister, Rana Sanaullah has shrugged off reports about Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif's meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.
Speaking on the Samaa TV programme "Mere Sawal with Absar Alam", Sanaullah expressed his views: “The country’s political leadership has always been fraught with complications. However, we have succeeded to a large extent in resolving the nation’s issues.”
He added, “Both the political leadership and the establishment are united in ending the crisis. We [Pakistan] have emerged successful on the global stage and have proven ourselves to the world.”
"There is no doubt that Pakistan is currently in its strongest position. The country’s political leadership has often been marked by conflict. From 2013 to 2018, we governed but were not allowed to act freely. Nevertheless, we managed to correct the country’s problems significantly," Sanaullah said.
"Currently, the political leadership and the establishment agree that the crisis must end. Within four days, we have demonstrated our capability. We have risen in the world and proven our strength," he said.
Sanaullah said, "Everyone is willing to assist and cooperate. This opportunity is crucial for the nation to take control of its own affairs."
"Defence should be improved and taken to more advanced stages, and the economy should be strengthened. After implementing these measures, those responsible for bringing the country to this point will be held accountable," he added.
"Civil institutions respect Parliament as the highest authority. We have not yet been able to strengthen Parliament sufficiently, but we must move forward," he added.
He said, "I advise accepting this progress and moving forward, rather than dwelling on past grievances. My own previous disagreements remain, but we have made defence ineffective and are now focusing on improving the economy."
"No one is stopping progress. However, political forces lack the harmony essential for a parliamentary system. This discord began in 2011 and has not been resolved," he said.
"The prime minister has visited opposition seats and expressed gratitude," Sanaullah said.
He added: "The prime minister has invited the opposition to meet and talk on three occasions. Everything Shehbaz Sharif has said has been with Nawaz Sharif’s consent."
"It is inappropriate to claim that Nawaz Sharif will go to jail and meet Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif is a senior politician and such statements are disrespectful," he said.
"Parliamentarians’ salaries have not been increased for nine years but have now been updated. However, disparities remain between the pay of parliamentarians, ministers, and officials of various departments," Sanaullah said.
"The blame should not be placed solely on the Speaker or Senate Chairman. No one below their level is willing to work. Both private and public sectors operate together, and salary demands from the heads of private institutions and FBR officials vary accordingly," he added.
Also Read: Nawaz Sharif's meeting with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail: PTI, PML-N respond
Earlier, it was reported that the PTI had dismissed media reports suggesting that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif is seeking a meeting with the jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan, saying the party will only respond to an official statement from Nawaz or the PML-N leadership.
The PTI sources clarified that no formal proposal has been received and any decision to meet Nawaz Sharif will ultimately be made by the founding chairman himself. "The matter will be brought to his attention in the next meeting," party insiders said.
The PTI leadership expressed skepticism about reconciliation efforts from the ruling party, particularly in light of alleged "horse trading" and manipulation of reserved seats. Party sources stated that genuine political dialogue cannot coexist with tactics aimed at eliminating opposition representation.
