Rana Sanaullah, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, announced on Wednesday that negotiations between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been delayed because National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is currently abroad. Sanaullah explained that talks would resume once Sadiq returns to Pakistan.
The two sides had held two rounds of talks on December 27, 2024, and January 2, 2025, after months of political conflict. However, the delay in the third round of negotiations has raised concerns about the future of the dialogue process.
During a press conference, Sanaullah also criticized PTI for spreading false information on social media. He accused the party of pushing a "narrative of lies," particularly regarding the deaths of protestors during the November 26 rally and the conditions of PTI leader Imran Khan in jail. Sanaullah pointed out that PTI had shared a photo of an ambulance from Palestine, falsely claiming that their supporters were being killed in Pakistan.
Sanaullah also referred to claims made by Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, who had suggested that there were plans to poison the former prime minister while he was in prison. However, a recent leaked video showed her discussing political matters, contradicting her earlier claims. He emphasized that Imran Khan was receiving all the facilities allowed under the jail manual.
The Prime Minister’s adviser accused PTI of plotting against the country and its institutions, saying the party was spreading false propaganda to create political instability. He also suggested that PTI had no solid evidence to back their claims and was relying on social media to spread their message.
When asked about PTI’s demands, Sanaullah said it was likely the party would not provide them in writing. He clarified that the ongoing corruption case against Imran Khan and his wife, related to the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust, was not connected to the dialogue process. He stressed the importance of national dialogue to reduce political tensions in the country.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed regret over PTI leaders' criticism regarding a recent meeting with Imran Khan in jail. He clarified that it was not his responsibility to arrange the meeting, stating that his role was simply to facilitate talks between the government and PTI.