Rana Sanaullah renews call for opposition talks in Senate session

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah on Monday again invited the opposition to engage in dialogue, telling the Senate that political matters could be addressed through talks.

Speaking during the upper house session, Sanaullah said a formal meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly could also be arranged if required. He also said former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were being given the best possible medical facilities at Adiala Jail, where they are being held.

The Senate met under the chairmanship of Yousaf Raza Gillani and took up a range of legislative, political and human rights matters during the sitting.

Legislative business taken up

During the proceedings, Senator Sarmad Ali moved a bill concerning amendments to the juvenile justice system. The proposed legislation was referred to the relevant standing committee for further review.

Senator Samina Zahri also introduced amendments related to consumer protection in Islamabad, along with a separate bill dealing with oversight of the capital’s health system. Both measures were sent to committees for consideration.

The house also unanimously approved a bill dealing with amendments in courts. Another bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities was likewise passed unanimously. Members described the move as a constructive development for social welfare and inclusion.

Political issues and Senate discussion

Alongside legislative work, the session also featured discussion on political matters. Sanaullah reiterated that dialogue remained the way forward for resolving political disputes.

In his remarks, he said a higher-level contact between the prime minister and the opposition leader in the National Assembly could be held if needed.

The session also took up differences between Senator Nasir Butt and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. After hearing both sides, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani tasked Rana Sanaullah with helping resolve the issue through dialogue.

During the debate, Senator Ali Zafar spoke about the importance of justice in defining a society’s character. He said a society’s identity is determined not by its buildings or slogans, but by its justice system.

Sanaullah’s latest call for talks came during a sitting that combined legislative business with discussion on broader political and rights-related issues, with the Senate processing multiple bills and referring others to committees for further examination.