ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday said the federal government was ready to invite all political parties and build consensus on counterterrorism.
Speaking in the Senate, the PML-N leader also urged the opposition to “set other demands aside”.
The PM’s aide’s remarks come after the Centre imposed emergency and governor’s rule in KP on October 11, citing the PTI-led provincial government’s “deliberate disengagement” from the fight against terrorism. The decisions were also endorsed by the Parliament last week amid protests by the opposition.
“Even now, if all parties [..] can agree to sit down to discuss this issue, then Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is willing to invite them and find a way forward (on counterterrorism) or how operations can be supported by the entire nation,” Sanaullah said, urging political parties to put other demands aside and “stand united” in tackling terrorism.
Sanaullah went on to criticise National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai.
“He became the leader of the opposition after the speaker signed off on his appointment; however, [..] he does not accept the speaker’s authority and is not even ready to meet the prime minister and has even refused to sit in the speaker’s chambers with the PM,” Sanaullah said.
Sanaullah then turned his attention to the rise in terrorism in the country, expressing sorrow at the martyrdom of an army officer a day earlier.
Addressing the opposition, he said, “You are running propaganda against the head of this institution and [..] making below-the-belt remarks.”
The PML-N senator also assailed the members of the now non-functional PTI-led KP government for not attending apex committee meetings.
“In 11 months, there was one apex committee meeting in which the KP CM was in attendance, and the way he was brought there, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi already spoke about it,” Sanaullah said.
Recalling the federal government’s talks with the PTI earlier this month, Sanaullah said: “During the talks, we agreed on constituting a political committee comprising members from both sides; however, [..] the talks broke down on one single point — the PTI fulfilling its responsibilities and supporting the federal government in counterterrorism efforts.”
Chaudhry reiterates invitation to opposition
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also invited opposition parties to develop a consensus against terrorism, saying Pakistan’s peace and the future of its children depended on a united stance against the menace.
“I extended an invitation yesterday, and today I am once again inviting all opposition parties to come forward and build a consensus against terrorism,” he said while speaking to the media.
“Why can we not develop a consensus, at least on this issue?” he asked.
Chaudhry said political differences should not be allowed to compromise the national interest, adding that peace and prosperity required a collective effort.
The minister said controlling terrorism in KP was practically impossible without the provincial government’s full cooperation with federal institutions, the Pakistan Army and security agencies.
