Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday called on the PTI to abandon its hostile stance toward the state, cautioning that it risks Imran Khan’s political influence, the KP government’s stability and his popularity and encouraged engagement through dialogue.
While speaking to a local news channel, Rana Sanaullah stated that as a political leader operating under a democratic system, he feels compelled to advise Imran Khan to abandon his entrenched 13-15-year-old confrontational approach and adopt dialogue instead.
He warned that continuing on a hostile path risks the stability of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and damages Khan’s popularity.
Rana Sanaullah criticized this attitude as undemocratic, saying that persistent clashes with the state only invite political danger and weaken public trust.
He emphasized that leadership in a democracy requires compromise and engagement not repeated confrontation that jeopardizes governance and political standing.
The adviser highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly and categorically extended an official offer for table talks, yet PTI has failed to take the initiative seriously, instead resorting to criticism and negative rhetoric.
Rana Sanaullah called on the party to seize the opportunity for dialogue before their continued stance causes irreparable political harm.
In response to a query, Rana Sanaullah said that PTI claims to be “afraid” of any so-called Tehreek, but he challenged them to go ahead and hold any gathering they wish, stressing that the state is not intimidated.
He added that once their events conclude, PTI should seriously reconsider its stance on dialogue, emphasizing that confrontation only invites risk and that meaningful engagement remains the democratic and prudent path forward.
Responding to a query about PTI meetings for Imran Khan, Rana Sanaullah said the Islamabad High Court had set a procedure for the party to hold meetings, which the PTI General Secretary had formally agreed to follow.
He added that the party must operate within the constitutional and legal framework, but they have repeatedly violated these undertakings, which is unacceptable.
He emphasized that jail authorities have the right to restrict any gatherings where disorder or the risk of anarchy exists.
He further replied back to a question that Imran Khan himself has refused to agree to dialogue and responded negatively when the offer was made.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar on Tuesday announced a nationwide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on February 8, saying the party will stage full-scale protests across the country to press for its demands.
Speaking to the media at Dahgal Naka in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar said protest is PTI’s constitutional right and the party already has a clear strategy in place. He added that the party leadership is united on the street movement, which is being carried out strictly in line with the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Addressing speculation about negotiations, the PTI chairman rejected the idea of talks being limited to a so-called meeting of “five key figures,” saying neither such a meeting is possible nor necessary. “If meetings are not being allowed, how can negotiations move forward?” he questioned.
Barrister Gohar said PTI leaders visit every Tuesday but are forced to return without any meetings. He revealed that no one has been allowed to meet Imran Khan for over a month, despite court orders.
“When meetings are denied despite judicial directives, that is nothing short of begging,” he remarked, adding that statements about “begging” were deliberately twisted.
He warned that efforts to normalize the political situation are being made conditional on an unacceptably heavy price, questioning how progress can be made when even routine meetings are turned into controversies. He said sisters and lawyers must be allowed to meet the PTI founder to help ease tensions.
The PTI chairman also disclosed that former party leader Imran Ismail had contacted him regarding a conference, but was informed that PTI would not participate due to party reservations.
On internal matters, Barrister Gohar said no party committee has the authority to ignore the PTI founder’s instructions. He added that the Speaker has deferred a decision on opposition leaders’ notifications until the next session, but PTI wants the matter resolved before then.
He further expressed hope that the PPP would allow PTI to hold a public gathering in Sindh.