Rana Sanaullah says Balochistan is cooperating with federal authorities against terrorism, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remains willing to meet political parties to discuss a united response.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remains willing to hold talks with political parties on counterterrorism if they agree to work together, Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah told the Senate on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Sanaullah claimed that the Balochistan government was cooperating fully with the federal government and armed forces against terrorism, while alleging that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had refused to allow military operations in the province.
His remarks came during a Senate debate on terrorism, provincial governance and the federal government’s intervention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rana Sanaullah Calls for Unity Against Terrorism
Responding to comparisons between the security situations in KP and Balochistan, Sanaullah said the two provinces should not be assessed in the same way.
He alleged that the KP government had not provided the cooperation required to eliminate terrorism, while describing Balochistan’s provincial administration as supportive of federal authorities and the armed forces.
Sanaullah argued that a united national approach was necessary to address the security threat and said political differences should not prevent cooperation against militant violence.
He also referred to previous efforts to engage opposition leaders, saying political negotiations remained possible if all parties were prepared to participate.
Shehbaz Sharif Remains Ready for Political Talks
Sanaullah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was still willing to meet political parties if they agreed to discuss the fight against terrorism collectively.
He referred to previous political contacts involving former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and opposition figures, arguing that dialogue had been possible in the past.
The adviser also criticised National Assembly Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas, claiming that he had declined to meet the prime minister through the Speaker’s Office.
Sanaullah maintained that political engagement could help establish agreement on national security priorities, although the parties remain divided over the government’s approach to KP.
Opposition Senators Challenge Emergency Measures in KP
The Senate debate also featured criticism of the federal government’s measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Senator Mishal Azam questioned the justification for emergency measures and governor’s rule, asking what steps had been taken to combat terrorism since their implementation. She also alleged that the measures were connected to the province’s mineral resources.
These statements represented the senator’s allegations and were not independently established in the report.
Senator Gurdip Singh also argued that conditions in KP did not warrant governor’s rule or an emergency.
PTI senator Falak Naz Chitrali rejected the government’s position and said the province had endured years of insecurity and significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. She also challenged the federal government’s handling of the province’s political mandate.
Government Senators Defend the Federal Position
Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan accused PTI of working against the federal government and argued that the country’s stability depended on cooperation against terrorism.
He cited a figure of 3,000 terrorism incidents in KP over the preceding year. That figure was presented as part of his Senate remarks and was not independently verified in the report.
Senator Nasir Butt also blamed the provincial political dispute on PTI and defended the federal government’s position.
The exchange reflected continuing disagreement between government and opposition lawmakers over responsibility for insecurity in KP and the legitimacy of the federal intervention.
Concerns Raised Over Security in Balochistan
Earlier in the debate, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasay criticised the security situation in Balochistan.
He said residents faced pressure from militant groups and state actions, and alleged that the abduction of a commissioner had forced local people to collect money for a ransom payment.
Wasay also described economic activity in parts of the province as severely disrupted.
His remarks offered a contrasting perspective on the security challenges facing Balochistan, despite Sanaullah’s description of the provincial government’s cooperation with federal authorities.
Counterterrorism Remains Central to Political Dispute
The Senate discussion highlighted the gap between the government’s demand for greater provincial cooperation and opposition concerns about emergency measures, governor’s rule and political representation in KP.
Sanaullah said all political parties should support the armed forces in the fight against terrorism, arguing that defeating militant violence was essential for Pakistan’s stability.
The prime minister’s reported willingness to meet political parties could provide an opening for further discussions, but the Senate debate showed that major disagreements remain over security policy and the federal government’s actions in the province.
