Govt Invites Opposition for Democracy Talks

In Islamabad, the government initiated talks with the opposition this week, reiterating their commitment to strengthening and advancing the Charter of Democracy—a pact signed in 2006 by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and late Benazir Bhutto. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan addressed a Senate session, urging dialogue with representatives from all sides to fortify democratic governance rather than succumbing to confrontation.

Sanaullah stressed that his government was open to engaging in discussions with those who were willing to collaborate, highlighting their stance during PTI’s previous tenure. The Adviser maintained, however, that his coalition partners had underscored the necessity of dialogue even when the PTI held power. Yet, PTI founder Imran Khan remained unyielding, insisting on a path fraught with obstacles and characterizing it as a significant barrier to any meaningful talks.

Sanaullah’s message pointed out that while some in opposition sought avenues for engagement, their counterparts showed reluctance towards such collaborations. The Adviser then alluded to the establishment’s role without explicitly naming them, suggesting a desire for dialogue from those who were hesitant to engage. He proposed that PTI should reintegrate into Parliament by resuming its standing committees—an issue it had abandoned in September.

Sanaullah’s criticism underscored what he perceived as the party’s reluctance to integrate into the political process. More developments are expected to unfold in this ongoing inter-party discourse.