ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah on Friday reiterated the government’s willingness to engage with the opposition, saying dialogue remained the best way to resolve political issues in a democratic system.
Speaking to reporters, Rana Sanaullah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a “Charter of Stability for Pakistan” remained on the table and the government was prepared to discuss all matters with opposition parties.
He said the offer of political consultations was still open and urged the opposition to respond positively. According to him, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had informed the government that internal consultations on political dialogue were under way, while opposition parties had indicated they would convey their position after completing their own deliberations.
Rana Sanaullah said opposition parties had also supported the role played by the field marshal on recent national matters. Referring to reservations expressed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he said the government would try to address his concerns.
Commenting on calls for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, the adviser said the matter rested with the courts and not with the government. He added that qualified medical specialists were available to ensure the former prime minister received appropriate healthcare.
On issues relating to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (Pata), Rana Sanaullah said opposition leaders had raised their concerns with the prime minister. Following his instructions, a government delegation held discussions on the matter on Friday.
He further said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had assured stakeholders that the government would engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over taxation issues. Efforts were under way, he said, to seek an extension of tax exemptions that are due to expire.
