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Rana Sanaullah Rules Out Alliance With PTI
Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs, has ruled out the possibility of an opposition alliance involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), arguing that the party’s political approach makes cooperation with other parties difficult.
Speaking on Geo News’ current affairs programme Capital Talk with host Hamid Mir, Rana Sanaullah also discussed the evolving political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including the Pakistan Peoples Party’s decision to sit on the opposition benches and the PML-N’s preparations for the new assembly.
The remarks come as political parties continue consultations following the formation of the newly elected AJK Legislative Assembly. The assembly’s latest proceedings include the election of reserved seats and the swearing-in of newly elected members.
Rana Sanaullah Takes Firm Position on PTI Alliance
Rana Sanaullah said that an opposition alliance cannot be formed with PTI as a participant.
He argued that cooperation with other political parties does not form part of PTI’s political approach, presenting the party’s relationship with other political groups as a major obstacle to any broader opposition arrangement.
The statement comes amid renewed political discussion over the possibility of alliances as parties reassess their positions in both the federal political arena and AJK.
Rana Sanaullah has previously criticised PTI’s political conduct while also commenting publicly on the possibility of political dialogue with the party.
PPP to Sit on Opposition Benches in AJK
Discussing developments in Azad Kashmir, Rana Sanaullah said the Pakistan Peoples Party had decided to move into the opposition.
He said the PPP had certain reservations and had expressed the view that these issues should be addressed through political means.
The development comes as the PML-N consolidates its position in the AJK Assembly. The party secured five of the seven reserved seats contested on August 24, while it had already won the overseas reserved seat unopposed.
The latest results have strengthened the PML-N’s position ahead of the formation of the next AJK government.
PML-N Nominates Tariq Farooq for Speaker
Rana Sanaullah also disclosed that the PML-N had nominated ChaudhryT ariq Farooq, the party’s secretary general in AJK, for the position of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
The nomination has been separately reported by Pakistani media following approval by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. Tariq Farooq is expected to contest the Speakership as the party moves forward with the formation of the new AJK government.
The Speakership is among the first major constitutional positions to be settled as the newly elected assembly begins its parliamentary proceedings.
Assembly Has Authority Over Protest-Related Matters
Addressing the situation involving protesters in AJK, Rana Sanaullah said the Legislative Assembly was free to make its own decision regarding the protesters and the issues surrounding them.
He expressed hope that the stakeholders would resolve their differences through dialogue and find a political solution to their problems.
His comments come against a backdrop of political and public tensions in AJK. Earlier reporting has highlighted disputes surrounding the election process and unrest in parts of the region.
AJK Politics Enter New Phase
The political landscape in AJK is now entering a new phase following the completion of the reserved-seat process and the oath-taking of newly elected lawmakers.
The PML-N is seeking to translate its strengthened numbers into government formation, while the PPP’s decision to sit in opposition could shape the political dynamics inside the assembly.
At the same time, the question of whether opposition parties can coordinate beyond individual parliamentary issues remains a significant political consideration.
Rana Sanaullah’s comments indicate that the government-aligned PML-N is not currently viewing PTI as a viable partner in any broader opposition arrangement. The statement is likely to add another layer to Pakistan’s already polarised political environment.
He also commented on a contempt-of-court petition involving the interior minister, saying that the decision about whether to include the minister in the petition rests with those pursuing the legal action.See More on Pulse Pakistan
