PML-N senior leader Sanaullah stated that PTI’s boycott of the Punjab Assembly Senate by-election reflected distrust within the party. He claimed that several PTI members had privately expressed willingness to vote for him but followed party directives instead.
Speaking to reporters, Sanaullah revealed that 10 to 12 PTI members had secretly contacted him, indicating their support. He thanked them but urged them to vote according to their party line.
He criticized PTI’s political culture as confrontational and intolerant, shaped by founder Imran Khan’s leadership. Sanaullah said PTI trained workers to insult opponents and raise provocative slogans rather than engage in dialogue, even during national crises such as cross-border tensions with India.
Sanaullah highlighted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is focused on dialogue and justice, regularly engaging opposition members in parliamentary discussions. He also alleged that some individuals loyal to Imran Khan aim to disrupt Pakistan’s political and institutional stability.
“They are not political actors; their goal is sedition and chaos,” Sanaullah said, stressing the need for a stable and responsible political environment. He added that the boycott demonstrates PTI’s habitual approach of avoiding constructive participation in governance.
The Senate by-election follows the de-notification of PTI Senator Ijaz Chaudhry by the Election Commission on July 28. PTI filed a petition to stop polling, which is currently under review by the Lahore High Court. The petition was represented by Barrister Taimur Malik and Rana Mudassar Umar on behalf of Ijaz Chaudhry.
Despite the boycott, the election continues in the Punjab Assembly, with government-backed candidate Rana Sanaullah emerging as a strong contender. Observers note that the election reflects ongoing political tensions and the challenges of maintaining bipartisan cooperation in Pakistan’s legislature.
In other related news also read Resolution to Ban PTI Submitted in Punjab Assembly
