Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are engaged in “off-the-record talks” over the party’s planned long march towards Islamabad on October 4.
Speaking on Geo News’ morning programme Geo Pakistan on Thursday, Sanaullah said senior PTI leaders were involved in the ongoing discussions.
“Off-the-record talks are ongoing with senior PTI leaders,” he said.
The PTI had earlier postponed its planned march from September 27 to October 4. The party has said the protest is aimed at demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Govt prepares to block march
Sanaullah said the government had made arrangements to prevent participants from entering Islamabad if PTI leadership did not call off the proposed protest.
He also described a march towards the federal capital organised by a provincial government as contrary to constitutional and legal provisions.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions between the federal government and the PTI over the planned protest.
Governor’s rule option remains under consideration
Sanaullah also said the Constitution provides a defined procedure for imposing governor’s rule and that the option remains under consideration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stressed that any such move would have to follow the constitutional process and receive parliamentary approval.
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The adviser said decisions concerning the provinces fell within parliament’s authority, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would present the government’s position when the matter was brought before parliament.
“When the matter comes before parliament, the prime minister will give his position,” Sanaullah said.
He added that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif would also express his views when the issue reached the relevant forum.
Sanaullah comments on PTI decision-making
Commenting on PTI’s decision-making process, Sanaullah said individuals operating through social media platforms were influencing the party’s political direction.
He also said Nawaz Sharif continued to provide guidance to the PML-N and that his opinion and approval were sought on major issues.
The PTI’s October 4 protest remains a major political development, with the government preparing security and administrative arrangements to prevent demonstrators from entering the federal capital if the planned march goes ahead.
