Rana Sanaullah Promises Security Reforms, Criticises PTI

ISLAMABAD, October 13, 2026: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah has reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan, strongly criticising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its approach to counterterrorism and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Sanaullah defended the federal government’s decision to impose emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, maintaining that restoring stability and strengthening the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies were among the administration’s principal objectives.

He said the federal government had been left with limited options after what he described as a failure by the former PTI-led provincial administration to cooperate with national counterterrorism efforts.

Government Defends Emergency Measures

Sanaullah maintained that the federal government’s intervention was necessary to restore effective administration and strengthen cooperation between security institutions and civilian authorities.

He expressed confidence that the measures would improve conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and contribute to the eventual elimination of terrorism.

Comparing the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Balochistan, he said the Balochistan government had extended cooperation to federal authorities in addressing security challenges, while alleging that the former KP administration had failed to provide similar support.

He further stated that the National Assembly was expected to endorse the emergency measures on October 14, although parliamentary approval remained a separate constitutional process.

Rana Sanaullah Questions PTI’s Position

The prime minister’s adviser also criticised PTI’s repeated calls for negotiations with militant groups, arguing that dialogue could not proceed without considering the nature of the groups’ demands.

He claimed that certain militant organisations were seeking territorial concessions affecting Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These assertions were presented by Sanaullah as part of his argument against negotiating with groups pursuing separatist objectives. The specific territorial claims have not been independently substantiated.

Sanaullah alleged that PTI’s advocacy of dialogue reflected an approach that did not adequately address the security challenges confronting the country.

He also referred to former KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s position on negotiations, questioning whether dialogue could achieve meaningful results in the circumstances described by the federal government.

His criticism represented the government’s political position and did not establish that PTI supported the objectives of any armed organisation.

Disagreement Over Counterterrorism Cooperation

The latest remarks follow unsuccessful negotiations between the federal government and opposition representatives over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sanaullah had previously accused PTI of failing to give satisfactory assurances regarding cooperation with the federal counterterrorism strategy.

The opposition, however, has disputed the government’s account of the negotiations.

PTI has rejected allegations linking it to militancy and has maintained that the emergency measures are politically motivated. The party has also questioned the constitutional and democratic implications of suspending its provincial administration.

The disagreement has intensified political tensions following the October 11 declaration of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the suspension of the PTI-led government.

Focus on Law Enforcement and Provincial Stability

Sanaullah said authorities needed to address not only militant activity but also criminal networks operating in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He identified extortion, undocumented vehicles and narcotics-related activity as issues requiring attention, alleging that criminal networks had contributed to the province’s deteriorating security environment.

According to the adviser, improved administrative coordination and sustained support for law enforcement agencies would be essential to restoring peace.

The federal government maintains that its measures are intended to strengthen security and governance, while PTI continues to challenge both the justification and political consequences of the intervention.

The dispute now centres on whether the federal government’s emergency arrangements can improve security while meeting constitutional requirements and addressing concerns over provincial autonomy.

Sanaullah reiterated that the government was committed to pursuing its security objectives and restoring normal conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.