Senior PML-N leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has strongly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he termed as "confused politics," urging that political leadership — not the establishment — must come together to resolve national issues.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s prime time show 'Red Line with Talat Hussain', Rana Sanaullah said the PTI’s internal disarray is not only harming the party but is also unsettling the broader political landscape of the country.
“The PTI is deeply confused in its affairs, and as long as they remain this way, they will continue to confuse Pakistan’s politics,” he remarked.
'Talking to establishment won’t solve problems'
Rana Sanaullah took a jibe at PTI’s recent overtures toward the establishment, stating that this approach is undemocratic and ultimately futile.
“They say they want to solve their problems by talking to the establishment. These problems will not be resolved that way,” he said. “Solutions will only emerge when political leaders come together and engage in dialogue.”
Referring to the PTI founder’s persistent calls for talks with the establishment, Rana said this mindset reflects a deviation from democratic principles.
“The path they want to take won’t strengthen democracy — it won’t lead them anywhere,” he added.
'Negotiation committees didn’t fail — PTI walked away'
Commenting on past efforts to initiate talks, Sanaullah claimed that everyone knows what transpired in those negotiations.
“We all know who walked out of the negotiation committees and abandoned the process,” he said, holding the PTI responsible for previous dialogue breakdowns.
He also criticized PTI leaders for launching personal attacks on rivals, saying, “They visit people’s homes and engage in personal criticism. This is not politics.”
Rana Sanaullah, however, also condemned the arrest of PTI leader Aun Abbas, saying, “The way Aun Abbas was arrested, I unequivocally condemn it.”
'Charter of Democracy 2.0 need of the hour'
Sanaullah emphasized that a new Charter of Democracy is essential if Pakistan wants to come out of its current political and economic challenges.
“Big things are said during political speeches, but unless political parties sit down and talk, nothing will change,” he stressed. “Until we achieve another Charter of Democracy, the current crisis will continue.”
He added that many of Pakistan’s present problems could have been resolved within a month if political unity had been achieved earlier.
PTI government vs present era
Drawing a comparison between the PTI-led government and the current coalition rule, Rana Sanaullah said: “The problems we’re seeing today were even worse during PTI’s tenure — in fact, they were of all kinds and more severe.”