Former interior minister Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of an alliance between the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-N in the upcoming general elections.
Interacting with reporters here Wednesday, the PML-N leader hinted the two parties might agree to a seat adjustment formula on a limited level, but even such an electoral adjustment was highly unlikely.
Sanaullah, to a query about the relationship between the PML-N and the PPP, said it was the PPP’s right to critique his party which, according to him, was a calculated move and was in line with their electoral strategy. “In the run up to elections, such political narratives spring up, but often these are devoid of the truth and reality.”
Asked about the PPP’s concerns on the transfers and postings on a large scale ahead of the general elections, Sanaullah said these transfers and postings started after the commencement of the interim government and the notion that it was being done at someone’s behest was completely out of place.
In response to another question, Sanaullah said the elections would take place in the last week of January or in the first week of February according to the constitution. “The exercise of delimitations will conclude on Nov 30, after which the elections are quite certain,” he added.
In reply to a question about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Sanaullah affirmed that like any other political group, the PTI reserved the right to engage in politics. He, however, advised the PTI to distance itself from the elements associated with the May 9 events, underscoring the significance of exhibiting a responsible political demeanour.
To a question about Nawaz Sharif’s return and the cases against him, Sanaulah said that from the legal perspective, the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif had already ended and as far as his sentence was concerned, the cases brought against the former prime minister were quite weak. “Mian Nawaz Sharif will file review appeals against his sentence and he will certainly be acquitted.”
Sanaullah further said Nawaz Sharif would be accorded a splendid welcome upon his return to the country on Oct 21.
