Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's advisor and senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah on Saturday stressed the importance of dialogue between political leaders to resolve the ongoing crisis in Pakistan.
Speaking at a seminar held to mark the anniversary of Khawaja Rafique in Lahore, Rana Sanaullah suggested that it would be beneficial for Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, and Asif Zardari to sit down for negotiations.
He stressed that politicians must first acknowledge their past mistakes and shortcomings before engaging in meaningful discussions.
The senior politician noted that the Charter of Democracy, signed after the 1973 Constitution, holds a significant place in the political history of Pakistan, calling it a "sacred document."
He also highlighted that both the PML-N and PPP had previously admitted their mistakes in the spirit of collaboration and progress.
Rana Sanaullah further remarked on the ongoing debate regarding the alleged false cases against PTI, drawing a parallel with the cases that had been levied against his own party. "If you are asking us to accept your truth today, you must also acknowledge our truth from yesterday," he stated. "At least express regret."
The PML-N leader elaborated on the long-standing political crisis in the country, explaining that its resolution is only possible through joint efforts and dialogue. He mentioned that the members of the negotiation committee are mere "actors," with Khawaja Saad Rafique playing the role of the "producer" in this ongoing process.
Rana also addressed the prevailing political climate, reiterating that political activities should be carried out within the bounds of the constitution and law.
He condemned acts of violence, including setting fire to people's houses and taking the lives of political opponents. "Such actions are not political acts, and they must be reviewed under constitutional and legal frameworks," he said.
Pakistan is trapped in "remote-controlled democracy"
Meanwhile, Khawaja Saad Rafique criticised the current political environment, suggesting that the country is trapped in a "remote-controlled democracy."
"The state cannot continue to function in such a way," he remarked, emphasizing that while politicians may bear the brunt of the fallout, the general public will also feel the repercussions of ongoing instability. He pointed out the growing influence of actions taken by non-political groups, referring specifically to recent protests where public spaces, like the Kohala bridge, were blocked and symbols of national identity, such as the Pakistani flag, were taken down.
"If such incidents continue, who will we listen to? If the public is mobilized under various banners, there will be a question of legitimacy and control," he stated, expressing concern over the erosion of national unity.
Rafique also discussed the Kashmir issue, highlighting the deep connection between Pakistan and Kashmiris, who, according to him, are "bigger Kashmiris than Pakistanis" in their loyalty to the country. He criticized the appointment of officials who, in his view, have little to do with Kashmiri politics, suggesting that this has contributed to the current tensions.
Reiterating his party’s stance, Rafique called for dialogue among political leaders. He suggested that political figures such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Pir Pagara, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and others, should be part of a national committee to address the ongoing crisis.
"Politicians must come together and think carefully about how to steer the country away from further losses," Rafique stressed. "We cannot afford to insult state institutions any further, and there must be clarity on who is truthful and who is not."
