In a recent interview on Geo News’ program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, dismissed rumors of clandestine discussions between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the establishment. He asserted that the establishment is not engaged in any dialogue with PTI.

Sanaullah emphasized that political matters should be resolved through established political avenues, stating, “Political issues can only be discussed through this door, from which they [PTI] ran away today.” His comments came after PTI abstained from the fourth round of scheduled talks, citing the government’s failure to establish judicial commissions to investigate the May 9 riots and the November 2024 Islamabad protest.

The dialogue between the PML-N-led government and PTI began in late December, aiming to ease political tensions. Despite PTI presenting a written charter of demands and three negotiation sessions, significant progress on key issues remains elusive.

Recent reports suggested that PTI was engaging with the establishment, with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirming a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, alongside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. However, security sources clarified that the meeting’s content was misrepresented and lacked political context.

Sanaullah criticized PTI for “damaging the country’s politics during the past 10 to 12 years” and noted that the party “ran away” from negotiations. He also expressed skepticism about forming a judicial commission, suggesting that no judge would be willing to participate amid the current polarized climate.

In response to PTI’s threats of protest, Sanaullah warned that the law would take its course if the party took to the streets, emphasizing that in a democratic system, issues are resolved at the negotiation table.