Speaking in the Senate, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah emphasised that political progress and national stability could be achieved through consultation rather than confrontation.
He urged opposition parties to participate in the ‘Charter of Economy’ and the ‘Charter of Democracy’ for the country’s development, stressing that democratic systems flourish through dialogue rather than political deadlock.
During the Senate session, chaired by Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Sanaullah also addressed concerns regarding the health of PTI founder Imran Khan. He said a medical report on Khan’s condition had been submitted to the court in compliance with judicial orders.
He added that anyone dissatisfied with the medical assessment could approach the Supreme Court. He said all legal requirements regarding the treatment of the incarcerated PTI leader had been fulfilled, and a panel of doctors conducted a detailed examination under court supervision.
The statement came as opposition members, including PTI senators, again demanded that Khan be transferred to hospital for specialised eye treatment. Leader of the Opposition Raja Nasir Abbas, along with Mohsin Aziz and others, called for allowing medical treatment outside prison.
Abbas alleged that false cases had been registered against Khan and that his sisters were not being allowed to meet him in Adiala Jail. He demanded the formation of a joint parliamentary committee to facilitate Khan’s meetings.
He called for establishing the tradition of allowing peaceful protest. “Is locking Parliament and confining parliamentarians not an insult to Parliament?” he asked. He said that if the government improved its relations with Imran Khan, “we won’t let the government fall”.
Responding to the opposition’s demands, Rana Sanaullah said the government had ensured the provision of lawful medical facilities. He said further objections could be addressed through judicial channels.
He said that the opposition did not want dialogue. “What can be done, if someone remains stubborn and is unwilling to accept any point,” he said. “You do not negotiate with those who want to talk to you, while you have submitted requests to those who do not want to negotiate.”
Sindh unity
The Senate also witnessed a heated debate over a Sindh Assembly resolution adopted on February 21. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman strongly opposed any suggestion of dividing Sindh, stating that such ideas were against constitutional and democratic principles.
She warned that any attempt to partition the province would require a two-thirds majority and would ultimately weaken national unity. She described Sindh as a symbol of harmony and rejected what she termed backdoor political manoeuvres.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Senator Khalida Ateeb opposed the interpretation of the resolution as a move to divide the province. She said her party was advocating administrative reforms and the creation of administrative units.
Afghan strikes
The government also clarified its position regarding air operations in Afghanistan. Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the air strikes targeted only terrorist hideouts and training camps in three Afghan provinces, in which more than 100 terrorists were killed.
Chaudhry emphasised that no civilian casualties were reported in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) strikes, adding that the operations were carried out in response to terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including incidents in Tarlai, Bannu and Bajaur.
The minister said Pakistan had repeatedly held talks with the Afghan Taliban regime regarding the removal of terrorist hideouts from the border area. He said the Afghan Taliban had asked Pakistan to provide Rs10 billion to relocate terrorist camps across the border, but even after the demand, no assurance was given regarding the complete elimination of terrorism.
He reiterated that Pakistan reserved the right to self-defence and would continue operations until terrorist networks were dismantled. He said Pakistan would avenge the blood of every martyr and would respond not by merely collecting bodies but by delivering decisive action.
Meanwhile, the Senate unanimously passed four private members’ bills, including amendments related to Zakat and Ushr administration, prohibition of corporal punishment in the Islamabad Capital Territory, the National Security Council, and criminal procedure laws.
Two other bills – the Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2025 and the Corporate Social Responsibility Bill, 2026 – were referred to relevant standing committees for further deliberation.
The session was later adjourned until Tuesday.
(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)