Senior PML-N leader and Senator Rana Sanaullah has expressed disappointment over the persistent breakdown of dialogue with the opposition, particularly the PTI. While confirming that the government made another attempt to initiate talks, he stated that the PTI’s attitude remains consistently non-cooperative.
Consultation with Allies vs. Opposition’s Stance
During an appearance on Geo News, Rana Sanaullah clarified that the ruling coalition was transparent in its approach to constitutional amendments. He noted that all allied parties were invited, briefed thoroughly, and their proposals were incorporated, leading to some revisions in the draft amendment based on their guidance.
However, the situation with the main opposition party is starkly different. He asserted: “The problem with the PTI or the opposition is that they are simply not ready to sit down… This is their behavior now, and this is what they have done before and intend to continue.”
The Offer for National Stability
Sanaullah recalled that the Prime Minister extended a significant offer to the opposition on Independence Day: ‘Let us sign the Charter of Stability of Pakistan.’ This proposal aimed to develop a joint strategy for resolving the nation’s core issues, yet it received no positive response.
He added that the government offered to engage in dialogue three times on the floor of the House, and even though the opposition had the privilege to hold seats on Standing Committees, they chose to resign from those as well. He maintained that discussions on issues of public importance—such as education, health, and local governance—have begun, and as consensus is built, more amendments will follow, all requiring the requisite two-thirds majority.
Constitutional Changes and Professional Needs
Addressing the current constitutional amendments, Senator Sanaullah linked their origins to the Charter of Democracy, which included the mention of establishing Constitutional Courts—a matter that was stalled during the 26th Amendment process.
Regarding the changes to the army’s internal command structure (like the new Chief of Defence Forces post), he explained that these were made in light of contemporary professional requirements and lessons learned from the successful counter-terrorism operation, ‘Ma’raka-e-Haq, Bunyan-ul-Marsus.’ He stressed that this is a purely professional matter that should be exempt from political debate and controversy.
