PML-N senior leader and Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah claimed on Tuesday that several PTI members wanted to vote for him in the Punjab Assembly Senate by-election, prompting the party’s boycott of the polls.

Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah said that 10 to 12 PTI members had secretly contacted him, indicating their willingness to vote for him.

He thanked them but encouraged them to vote according to their party line.

He emphasised that PTI’s decision to abstain from the election reflects the party’s usual approach and political culture, describing it as intolerant and confrontational, rooted in the party founder Imran Khan’s leadership.

Criticism of PTI’s political culture

Rana Sanaullah criticised PTI’s political practices, saying the party trained workers to insult opponents and raise provocative slogans. He claimed that during PTI’s tenure in government, they avoided dialogue with the opposition even during national crises, such as cross-border tensions with India.

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Sanaullah highlighted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is striving to maintain dialogue and justice, engaging with opposition members in parliamentary discussions.

Allegations against Imran Khan

The PML-N leader alleged that some individuals loyal to Imran Khan aim to disrupt Pakistan’s political and institutional stability.

“They are not political actors; their goal is sedition and chaos,” he said, stressing the need for a stable and responsible political culture in the country.

The by-election follows the de-notification of PTI Senator Ijaz Chaudhry by the Election Commission on July 28. PTI had filed a petition to stop polling, which was heard by the Lahore High Court, and the decision on the matter has been reserved. The petition was represented by Barrister Taimur Malik and Rana Mudassar Umar on behalf of Ijaz Chaudhry.