ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has revealed that the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are holding “off-the-record talks” concerning the party’s planned march towards Islamabad on October 4.
PTI had earlier rescheduled its proposed protest from September 27 to October 4, with the party calling for the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and what it terms the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Speaking on a morning television programme, Sanaullah said the government had finalised arrangements to stop protesters from entering the federal capital if the PTI leadership proceeded with the planned demonstration.
He maintained that a march to Islamabad organised by a provincial government would amount to a breach of constitutional and legal provisions.
The PML-N leader also said the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained under consideration. However, he stressed that such a move would have to be made through the constitutional procedure and would require parliamentary approval.
Commenting on PTI’s internal decision-making, Sanaullah said social media activists were increasingly influencing the party’s political direction.
He said PML-N President Nawaz Sharif remained involved in guiding the party and that his advice and approval were sought on important decisions.
Sanaullah further said matters relating to the provinces ultimately fell within parliament’s domain. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would present the government’s position once the issue was brought before parliament.
“When the matter comes before parliament, the prime minister will give his position,” he said, adding that Nawaz Sharif would also express his views when the matter reached the relevant constitutional forum.
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