No breakthrough possible without trust-building among Pakistan’s top five figures: Rana Sanaullah

Senior PML-N leader and Senator Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday that Pakistan cannot move forward politically unless trust is rebuilt among the country’s top leadership. He stressed that real progress is impossible without direct engagement at the highest level.

Speaking during a televised political discussion, Rana Sanaullah said informal talks at lower levels would not end the political deadlock. He added that confidence-building measures must begin among the most powerful figures in the country.

Who are the “top five” figures?

Rana Sanaullah said the “top five” political figures include Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Imran Khan. However, he did not name the fifth person.

He explained that without trust among these leaders, the country would remain stuck in political uncertainty. According to him, small-level contacts or backchannel discussions will not be enough.

Talks must happen at leadership level

Responding to PTI leader Amir Dogar, Rana Sanaullah said his personal discussions with opposition figures would not lead to any major breakthrough. He emphasized that meaningful dialogue must take place directly among top leaders.

He said leadership-level engagement is the only way to move the country toward stability.

Call to stop anti-institution campaigns

Rana Sanaullah strongly criticized social media campaigns targeting state institutions. He said accounts spreading such content should be shut down immediately.

He rejected the claim that PTI has no control over these accounts. He added that political parties must take responsibility and publicly distance themselves from such campaigns.

He stated that political criticism should remain limited to rival parties and politicians, not state institutions.

Warning over February 8 protest call

Rana Sanaullah warned PTI against its planned February 8 protest, saying the call would fail. He said any attempt to shut down the country through a wheel-jam strike would lead to strict action.

He urged PTI to reconsider its approach, warning that continued confrontation would only worsen the situation.

PTI calls for dialogue and meetings

PTI leader Amir Dogar said his party faced political victimisation during 2025. He expressed hope that 2026 would bring relief and stability.

Dogar said meetings with Imran Khan should be allowed so that ground realities can be discussed. He also requested permission for opposition leaders Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Achakzai to meet the PTI founder.

He said such meetings could help reduce tensions and open doors for dialogue.

Political deadlock needs cooperation

Rana Sanaullah responded by saying that ending anti-institution campaigns could improve the political environment. He added that such steps could help facilitate meetings with Imran Khan.

Dogar agreed that a meeting among the country’s top leaders may not happen immediately but stressed the need to keep political dialogue alive.