Senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has called for collective political action to address Pakistan’s ongoing economic difficulties, urging all parties to show the same level of unity seen during past moments of national security threats.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad on Sunday, Sanaullah pointed to the way political factions rallied together during the 2019 skirmishes with India. “When our sovereignty was threatened, we didn’t argue about politics. Everyone stood by the armed forces. That kind of unity is what we need today—this time, for the economy,” he said.
Sanaullah, a veteran figure within the ruling party, stressed that the current economic downturn demands a unified front. “Inflation is hurting families, industries are facing closure, and our financial obligations are mounting. This is not the moment for political point-scoring,” he added.
The country is currently in talks with international financial institutions amid pressure from rising debt and a depreciating rupee. Meanwhile, the public continues to face the burden of high utility costs and shrinking incomes. Rana Sanaullah’s comments come as the government prepares its new federal budget, expected to include stringent reforms tied to international lending conditions.
The former interior minister urged opposition parties, particularly the PTI, to engage in dialogue focused solely on stabilizing the economy. “Differences can wait. The people can’t,” he remarked. “We have seen what happens when we work together—we become stronger. Why not do the same to bring financial stability?”
Sanaullah also warned that continued political chaos could have serious consequences, both domestically and internationally. “When we fight among ourselves, the world loses confidence in us. Investors won’t come, lenders won’t trust, and citizens will suffer,” he stated.
While PML-N leaders have previously floated the idea of a ‘charter of economy’, attempts to bring all major parties to the table have so far been unsuccessful. Nevertheless, Sanaullah’s latest statement appears to renew that invitation, amid growing concern over public frustration with the economic outlook.
Political observers note that this is not the first time leaders have called for bipartisan cooperation during a crisis, but such calls rarely translate into sustained coordination. Some insiders say informal contacts between opposition representatives and coalition figures are taking place, though no official meetings have been confirmed.
As the country faces crucial fiscal decisions in the weeks ahead, Sanaullah’s remarks reflect a broader message: without political stability, economic progress will remain out of reach.
