- ‘At this moment, I say to the PTI leadership: you may continue to criticise us, but you must stand with Pakistan, with its armed forces: PM’s aide
- Stresses everyone should back PM Shehbaz’s ‘Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan’ initiative, which has become imperative in the wake of latest border escalation
- Urges TLP to end its protest, citing national interest and Gaza diplomacy progress
LAHORE: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Sunday urged the PTI and other political parties to unite behind the government’s proposed “charter for a stable Pakistan,” saying the initiative had become imperative in the wake of the latest border escalation with Afghanistan that left 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred and over 200 militants killed.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), overnight clashes between Pakistan and Afghan forces erupted along the Pak-Afghan border on the night of Oct 11–12, after “Afghan Taliban and India-backed militants” launched an unprovoked attack. Pakistan said its forces responded decisively, inflicting heavy losses on the attackers.
Islamabad, for a long time, has been urging Kabul to rein in the Fitna al-Khawarij—a term designated for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—accusing them of operating from Afghan soil, a charge denied by Kabul.
Addressing a media briefing in Lahore, Sanaullah said the current circumstances demanded national unity above politics.
“At this moment, I say to the PTI leadership: you may continue to criticize us, but you must stand with Pakistan, with its armed forces, and with its martyrs,” he said.
“If you stand with Pakistan and the armed forces, a way forward will open for you.”
The PTI, however, continues to oppose renewed military operations, arguing that past offensives failed to curb militancy and displaced civilians, fueling resentment in affected areas. The party maintains that terrorism should be tackled through dialogue and governance reforms, not force, warning that fresh operations without a political strategy could further destabilise Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A day earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had accused the PTI-led KP government of “facilitating terrorists, sowing division, and undermining national security.”
Reiterating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for unity, Sanaullah invited all parties to join the proposed ‘Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan’ (Charter for a Stable Pakistan).
“I invite all political parties, leaders, and parliamentarians — from the assemblies to the Senate — to back this charter,” he said. “National consolidation has become more important than ever.”
Referring to the border escalation, the adviser praised the armed forces’ response.
“Today, we have dealt a blow to a disgraced and hidden enemy,” he said. “Thanks to Field Marshal Asim Munir’s courageous policy and the bravery of our soldiers, the entire nation witnessed a moment of honour unseen in 78 years.”
‘TLP should call off protest’
Sanaullah also appealed to the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to call off its ongoing protest, citing the national situation and improved diplomatic progress on Gaza.
“The Gaza march was meant as solidarity, but now that the crisis is largely being resolved diplomatically, the protest should end,” he said, urging TLP to instead stand with Pakistan’s leadership and armed forces.
He added that senior religious leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, had voiced concern over the protest turning violent.
“You may not listen to us, but your late leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi always stood with Pakistan—you should do the same,” he concluded.
