PTI Protests Aim to Destabilise Country, Says Sanaullah
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has strongly criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for calling on the establishment to engage in dialogue rather than speaking with political parties, warning that the party’s planned protests were part of a broader effort to “destabilise the country.”
Sanaullah’s remarks came after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur urged state institutions to enter dialogue with PTI while demanding accountability from them. The PTI leadership, currently visiting Lahore, has launched a nationwide protest movement aimed at securing the release of party founder Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly two years in what he describes as politically motivated cases.
PTI Seeks Talks with Establishment, Not Politicians
Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah accused the PTI of refusing genuine political dialogue.
“They are not willing to sit down with either political parties or politicians to solve issues,” Sanaullah said. “They are still stuck on their own agenda, seeking the establishment’s help to put them back into power.”
He argued that such an approach revealed the PTI’s “real intention” to disrupt national stability, especially after the government’s diplomatic and economic gains following the recent Pakistan-India escalation, which he referred to as Marka-i-Haq.
Planned Protests & Government’s Stance
PTI’s protest strategy, including a 90-day campaign culminating on August 5 — the anniversary of Imran Khan’s imprisonment — has raised concerns within the government. Sanaullah stressed that peaceful protests are the party’s democratic right but warned:
“If they move towards violence or take the law into their own hands, the law will take its due course.”
The adviser also dismissed suggestions that the government might offer concessions for Imran Khan’s release.
“It had nothing to do with generosity. The case is proceeding according to the court’s rules,” he clarified.
Government Ready for Dialogue, But Focused on Economy
Rana Sanaullah reiterated the government’s willingness to engage with PTI and other opposition parties on national economic matters.
“It is in everybody’s mutual interest … everyone should agree on a charter of economy on basic points,” he said.
He added that the government’s only demand in any negotiations was the revival and success of Pakistan’s economy to ensure citizens’ welfare and stability.
Context: Tensions, Arrests & Previous PTI Protests
The PTI’s relationship with the government and establishment deteriorated sharply after Imran Khan’s arrest. Over the past year, several PTI protests have escalated into violent confrontations following police crackdowns.
This political unrest comes at a time when Pakistan is navigating delicate economic reforms and recovering from recent national crises — including natural disasters like the flood alerts issued by Punjab PDMA amid rising Indus River levels.
PTI’s Approach Questioned
Commenting on PTI’s mixed strategy of protests and negotiation calls, Sanaullah noted during an interview on Geo News’ “Naya Pakistan”:
“If they want to talk, then what is the need for the 90 days, the August 5 protests, and the march towards Lahore?”
Despite this criticism, he affirmed that the local administration would legally permit peaceful protests.
