System cannot run until government and opposition hold talks: Rana Sanaullah

Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, has stressed that the system cannot function unless there is dialogue between the government and opposition.

Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Rana Sanaullah said, "We have always said this, even when it was claimed that there would be no negotiations. We were told that a committee had been formed, and whoever wished could talk."

He added that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government should be informed that this is a committee, and they want to engage in political talks. "We will also make efforts for this, and I hope it will yield some results."

Rana Sanaullah further recalled that about five to six weeks ago, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had come to the Assembly, shook hands with the opposition, and expressed readiness for talks.

However, he pointed out that the response from Omar Ayub was something that Sher Afzal Marwat would know about.

The Prime Minister's adviser also mentioned that on the night of November 25, an attempt was made to facilitate negotiations by granting access to prisoners, but it was not accepted at that time.

He concluded by saying that both sides should express regret over the loss of lives.

Sher Afzal Marwat respects Khawaja Asif but says his language is fiery

PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat earlier said he has respect for Khawaja Asif but noted that the Defence Minister's rhetoric was firebrand.

Speaking in the National Assembly, the PTI MNA stated, "Khawaja Asif said yesterday that PTI must take the initiative for negotiations, but for that to happen, the government first needs to come out of its shell of arrogance."

Shir Afzal Marwat further criticised the media's portrayal of negotiations, saying, "The media talks about negotiations, but then claims that no talks are happening. The nation is being lied to. Are Terms of Reference (TORs) not set among politicians?"

He went on to suggest that a committee could be formed to resolve the issues, adding, "Imran Khan has already set up a committee for talks. Is it not possible to create a committee to set the TORs and address the issues? After finalising the TORs, talks with the establishment could also take place."

Marwat also questioned whether Rana Sanaullah or Khawaja Asif could inform the public about the government's official stance on negotiations. "I have complaints that people have died, but the Information Minister misrepresented the facts," he said.

He further criticised the prevailing political atmosphere, saying, "It feels like co-wives are fighting here; no one says anything positive about each other. We are sent here to address the public's issues. I can't even visit my constituency because the Taliban have taken control of our areas."