PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah. PHOTO: Express
ISLAMABAD:
The Senate was informed on Monday that the government had repeatedly invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for dialogue, but the opposition had been reluctant to come to the negotiating table.
Speaking in the Senate, Adviser on Political and Public Affairs to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah highlighted that political progress and national stability can be achieved through consultations rather than confrontations.
He urged opposition parties to participate in the “Charter of Economy” and the “Charter of Democracy” for the development of the country, highlighting that democratic systems flourish through dialogue and not political stagnation.
During the Senate session, chaired by President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Sanaullah also addressed concerns over the health of PTI founder Imran Khan. He said a medical report on Khan’s condition had been submitted to the court in compliance with court orders.
He added that anyone who is not satisfied with the medical evaluation can go to the Supreme Court. He said all legal requirements relating to the treatment of the jailed PTI leader had been met and a detailed examination was carried out by a panel of doctors under judicial supervision.
The statement came as opposition members, including PTI senators, again demanded that Khan be shifted to hospital for specialized eye treatment. Opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas, along with Mohsin Aziz and others, called for medical treatment to be allowed outside prison.
Abbas alleged that false cases had been registered against Khan and that his sisters were not allowed to meet him in Adiala jail. He demanded the formation of a joint parliamentary committee to facilitate Khan’s meetings.
He called for establishing the tradition of allowing peaceful protests. “Isn’t blocking Parliament and confining MPs an insult to Parliament?” asked. He said if the government improves its relations with Imran Khan, “we will not let him fall.”
Responding to the opposition’s demands, Rana Sanaullah said the government had ensured provision of legal medical facilities. He said other objections could be addressed through judicial channels.
He said the opposition did not want dialogue. “What can you do if someone is stubborn and is not willing to accept any point?” he said. “You don’t negotiate with those who want to talk to you, while you have submitted requests to those who don’t want to negotiate.”
sindh unit
The Senate also witnessed a heated debate over a Sindh Assembly resolution adopted on February 21. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman strongly opposed any suggestion of partitioning Sindh, stating that such ideas were against constitutional and democratic principles.
He warned that any attempt to split the province would require a two-thirds majority and would ultimately weaken national unity. He described Sindh as a symbol of harmony and rejected what he called backdoor political maneuvering.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Senator Khalida Ateeb opposed the interpretation of the resolution as a measure to divide the province. He said his party advocated administrative reforms and the creation of administrative units.
Afghan attacks
The government also clarified its position on air operations in Afghanistan. Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the airstrikes targeted only terrorist hideouts and training camps in three Afghan provinces, killing more than 100 terrorists.
Chaudhry emphasized that no civilian casualties were reported in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) strikes, adding that the operations were carried out in response to terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including incidents in Tarlai, Bannu and Bajaur.
The minister said Pakistan had held repeated talks with the Afghan Taliban regime on eliminating terrorist hideouts from the border area. He said the Afghan Taliban had asked Pakistan to provide Rs 10 billion to relocate terror camps across the border, but even after the demand, no assurance was given about complete elimination of terrorism.
He reiterated that Pakistan reserved the right of self-defense and would continue operations until the terrorist networks were dismantled. He said Pakistan would avenge the blood of every martyr and respond not simply by collecting dead bodies but by taking decisive action.
Meanwhile, the Senate unanimously passed four private members’ bills, including amendments related to administration of Zakat and Ushr, ban on corporal punishment in Islamabad Capital Territory, National Security Council and criminal procedure laws.
Two other bills, the Al-Biruni International University Bill 2025 and the Corporate Social Responsibility Bill 2026, were referred to the relevant standing committees for further deliberation.
The session was later suspended until Tuesday.
(WITH INPUTS FROM THE NEWS DESK)
