Rana Sanaullah says PTI can still play constitutional role

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Senator Rana Sanaullah has said the possibility of reconsidering the current administrative arrangement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could be explored if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) agrees to fulfil its constitutional and legal responsibilities.

Speaking on a television programme, Sanaullah said an interim arrangement would not have been necessary if the provincial government had been willing to perform its constitutional duties. He added that the government could still consider the matter if PTI demonstrated a willingness to play its role within the constitutional and legal framework.

Sanaullah warned that Pakistan’s security could face serious consequences if terrorism was not eliminated and the federal and provincial governments failed to adopt a unified policy. He stressed that the nation needed to stand together against terrorism, adding that divisions between the Centre and provincial administrations could threaten the country’s stability.

The adviser also criticised PTI’s political approach, arguing that opposition parties had suffered because of their own conduct. He compared the political behaviour of former prime minister Imran Khan with that of the incumbent prime minister, saying Khan had not even contacted the opposition leader when he was in office.

In contrast, Sanaullah claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif greets the opposition leader whenever he attends parliamentary sessions. He said political engagement and cooperation were necessary to resolve national issues, particularly those related to security.

Discussing the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters, Sanaullah said he personally regretted that authorities had to place them under house arrest. However, he maintained that the decision had been taken to control the situation amid concerns surrounding PTI’s planned long march.

He alleged that statements made by Imran Khan’s sisters regarding the march and a possible move towards the Governor House had raised concerns among the authorities. He also criticised the language used by PTI supporters on social media, arguing that the government had considered preventive measures necessary to maintain public order.

Sanaullah further claimed that PTI leader Murad Saeed was currently in Afghanistan. The statement was presented as his assertion during the television interview.

Turning to regional security, the adviser said India could no longer fight Pakistan through a conventional war in the same manner as before. He claimed that countries across the region increasingly viewed Pakistan as a provider of security and stability.

Sanaullah also alleged that India had established bases in Afghanistan and was financing militant activities against Pakistan. He did not provide further details to substantiate the allegation during the reported remarks.

His comments come amid heightened political tensions following the federal government’s move to introduce an emergency administrative arrangement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The dispute has intensified disagreements between the federal government and PTI over provincial governance, counterterrorism policy and the constitutional responsibilities of elected administrations.

The government has maintained that cooperation between federal and provincial authorities is essential to address security threats, while PTI has opposed the measures affecting its provincial government.