Rana Sanaullah appointed as adviser to PM Shehbaz

In a recent development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has appointed Rana Sanaullah, the Punjab President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as his adviser on political and public affairs. This decision was officially approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, as confirmed by an official statement released on Tuesday.

According to the statement, posted on the president’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), Rana Sanaullah will hold the status of a federal minister in his new role. The appointment was made under Article 93-1 of the Constitution, based on the prime minister’s recommendation.

Rana Sanaullah, a prominent figure in the PML-N, previously served as the interior minister during the previous government. However, he faced defeat in the general elections of 2024 on the National Assembly seat (NA-100) in Faisalabad.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s additional appointment as deputy prime minister. The timing of Sanaullah’s appointment aligns with his recent remarks indicating the possibility of a role in the federal government, as stated during an appearance on the Geo News program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” on Monday.

During the program, Sanaullah mentioned that decisions regarding his potential ministry would be made after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s return from his visit to China.

These developments coincide with Rana Sanaullah’s earlier announcement regarding PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return to the forefront of the ruling party. Sanaullah expressed confidence in Sharif’s leadership, citing his clearance from various legal issues by courts and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

“Nawaz Sharif will lead the party again. The PML-N will move forward under his leadership,” Sanaullah affirmed during an interaction with journalists in Lahore last week.

As Rana Sanaullah assumes his new role, the political landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, with the PML-N positioning itself for future endeavors under the guidance of its veteran leadership.