ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political affairs advisor, Senator Rana Sanaullah, stated on Friday that he has no knowledge of any direct contact between newly appointed National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, distancing the ruling party from claims of orchestration.
Speaking on a private news channel, Sanaullah addressed the political developments of the week. “I am not aware of the contact between Mahmood Achakzai and Nawaz Sharif,” he said, countering claims from a JUI-F leader that the appointment was made “at the behest” of the opposition leader. He clarified the procedural aspect, stating, “The Speaker, after seeking the opinion of the opposition members, processed and issued the notification.”
Sanaullah framed Achakzai’s appointment as a constructive move and extended an olive branch to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “Today we have taken a good and positive step, PTI should also take positive steps, this way trust is built,” he advised. However, he expressed skepticism about dialogue prospects with the incarcerated PTI founder, stating, “The founder of PTI is not in favor of dialogue… when PTI members meet, they say that the founder of PTI is not ready for negotiations.”
Looking ahead, the PML-N leader outlined the next step in completing the opposition’s parliamentary leadership, revealing, “The process of appointing the opposition leader in the Senate will begin next week.” He indicated that the process to appoint Allama Raja Nasir Abbas of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) to the Senate role would commence upon the Chairman Senate’s return.
