PML-N senior leader and advisor to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, claimed on Tuesday that several PTI members intended to vote for him in the Punjab Assembly Senate by-election, which led to the party’s boycott of the polls.
Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah stated that 10 to 12 PTI members had secretly contacted him and expressed their willingness to cast their votes in his favor. He thanked them but encouraged them to vote in line with their party’s instructions. He emphasized that PTI’s decision to abstain from the election is reflective of the party’s typical political behavior and culture, which he described as intolerant and confrontational, a direct result of the leadership of its founder, Imran Khan.
Criticism of PTI’s Political Ethos
Rana Sanaullah criticized PTI’s political practices, asserting that the party has trained its workers to insult political opponents and use provocative slogans. He alleged that during PTI’s time in government, they avoided dialogue with the opposition even during national crises, such as cross-border tensions with India.
Sanaullah highlighted that the current government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is committed to fostering dialogue and justice by engaging with opposition members in parliamentary discussions.
Allegations Against Imran Khan
The PML-N leader further alleged that some individuals loyal to Imran Khan are working to destabilize Pakistan’s political and institutional framework.
“They are not political actors; their objective is sedition and chaos,” he said, emphasizing the necessity for a stable and responsible political culture in the country.
This by-election came about after the Election Commission de-notified PTI Senator Ijaz Chaudhry on July 28. PTI had filed a petition to halt the polling, which was heard by the Lahore High Court, and the decision on the matter has been reserved. Barrister Taimur Malik and Rana Mudassar Umar represented Ijaz Chaudhry in the petition.
