Decades-old crises can be solved if Nawaz, Imran, and Zardari sit together: Sanaullah

Meaningful dialogue remains the only way to move forward and solve pressing national issues, says PML-N leaders

Prime Minister's Advisor Rana Sanaullah emphasized that if Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, and Asif Ali Zardari—leaders of Pakistan's three major political parties—come together for negotiations, the country’s 70-year-old crises could be resolved within just 70 days.

Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore marking the death anniversary of Khawaja Saad Rafique’s father, Rana Sanaullah called for a reconciliation committee comprising the heads of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) while urging that discussions must be held with sincerity and a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes.

He highlighted the importance of key political documents like the 1973 Constitution and the Charter of Democracy, underscoring how Nawaz Sharif and the late Benazir Bhutto advanced dialogue by admitting to their previous errors.

Sanaullah further stressed that meaningful dialogue remains the only way to move forward and solve pressing national issues.

He emphasized the importance of politicians acknowledging past mistakes before engaging in meaningful dialogue. “If you want today’s truth acknowledged, you must also admit yesterday’s truths—at least express regret,” he said.

While addressing the ceremony, Khawaja Saad Rafique echoed the sentiment, urging positive and unconditional negotiations.

“The nation has pinned its hopes on dialogue; trust-building measures must be prioritized,” he said, while also highlighting his grievances with former military leader General (Retd) Qamar Bajwa and former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar for his imprisonment.

Rafique stressed the need for successful negotiations with PTI, emphasizing that no one’s political career should be buried. “It’s unacceptable for a former army chief to continue playing golf while evading accountability,” he remarked.

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also spoke at the event, noting that PML-N has consistently called for dialogue.

“Even during the PDM government, we advocated for negotiations. Opposition parties must address both public and their own issues,” he said.

Asif recalled that Nawaz Sharif once personally reached out to PTI founder Imran Khan, demonstrating the PML-N’s commitment to resolving political tensions through dialogue.

This call for negotiations comes amidst heightened political instability in the country, with key political figures and parties seeking common ground to address Pakistan’s challenges.

PML-N remarks come against the backdrop of rising tensions between PTI and the ruling coalition, following former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment last year as PTI protests and government crackdowns deepened the political divide, leading to sporadic violence.

In November, following PTI’s "Final Call" protests, tensions escalated further as PTI accused the government of using excessive force, resulting in casualties—a claim denied by authorities. Subsequently, both sides began considering negotiations.

In December, PTI formed a five-member committee for talks, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to establish a government delegation led by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The first formal meeting between the government and PTI occurred on December 23, with the government committee including Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui. Members from PPP, MQM, and other allied parties also joined the initiative.