'Off-the-record talks' between PTI and govt ongoing: Rana Sanaullah

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah disclosed on Thursday that the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are engaged in confidential discussions concerning PTI's scheduled protest on October 4. Speaking in Geo News' morning program "Geo Pakistan," Sanaullah emphasized that the final call regarding the demonstration rested with PTI's higher authorities.

He cautioned that even if the protest is not delayed, measures would be taken to prevent it. Sanaullah compared PTI's planned march to a provincial government intruding into Islamabad, drawing a parallel with the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He maintained that any such political action would not be acceptable under any circumstances and that the relevant laws would be implemented to prevent PTI from entering the capital.

When asked about the possibility of imposing governor's rule in KP, Sanaullah mentioned that the option was currently being debated. He clarified that the decision would be made jointly by the federal government and the Senate, subject to parliamentary approval. Sanaullah criticized the KP Chief Minister for not fulfilling his duties, stating that the province's leadership has been preoccupied with the march to Islamabad and plans to topple the federal government.

He alleged that some individuals in KP were attempting to use ladders to facilitate the entry of PTI activists into Islamabad. Sanaullah reiterated that if a province engages in unlawful and unconstitutional actions, the central government has the authority to declare an emergency or impose governor's rule to assume control. The upcoming October 4 march, intended to advocate for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, continues to be a contentious issue between the government and the main opposition party.

PTI's proposal to march on October 4, initially scheduled for September 27, remains a significant point of friction, with both sides taking firm stances. The government has steadfastly opposed the demonstration, insisting that it will not allow the party to obstruct traffic and disrupt daily life. To reinforce their stance, authorities have implemented stringent security measures to ensure the protest does not materialize, including the closure of bridges, roads, and motorways leading to Islamabad.

They have also threatened to dismiss the PTI government in KP by imposing governor's rule or an emergency if the provincial leadership persists with the planned march. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry revealed on Wednesday that the federal government was "seriously considering" the imposition of an emergency in KP.