RAWALPINDI:
Internal divisions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appeared to intensify on Thursday after no party leader turned up to meet jailed party founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail, despite prior arrangements for the meeting.
A list of six senior leaders had been submitted to the prison authorities earlier in the day seeking permission for the meeting.
The names included Barrister Gohar Khan, Salman Akram Raja and Sardar Latif Khosa, along with Babar Awan, Hamid Khan and Intezar Panjutha.
However, none of the leaders arrived at the prison before the meeting window closed at
The Islamabad High Court has allowed Imran to meet twice a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays – with his family, lawyers and other staff. Despite the order, the ex-premier has been largely restricted from meeting visitors for several months.
Party leaders have come under increasing criticism in recent months for routinely sending second- or third-tier representatives to Thursday meetings with Imran.
Every Tuesday, Imran’s sisters consistently reach Adiala prison in an attempt to meet their brother, despite the fact that such a meeting has not been allowed in recent months.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has welcomed the continued diplomatic momentum following the initial round of talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran.
Akram stated that Pakistan’s recent high-level engagements with key regional capitals, including visits to Tehran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reflect the state’s proactive and balanced diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and consensus building. “The efforts underscore Pakistan’s growing credibility as a responsible broker in the region.”
He noted that it is particularly noteworthy that the US administration has expressed confidence in Pakistan’s constructive role and mediation capacity, while acknowledging its ability to facilitate dialogue in this highly sensitive and complex situation. Such recognition reinforces the importance of Pakistan’s continued engagement as a bridge to peace.
At this critical juncture, Akram emphasized that Pakistan is not just hosting talks – it is hosting history and helping to write the future of the region and the world. This responsibility requires consistency, patience and principled diplomacy, which the State of Pakistan has continued to demonstrate through its actions.
PTI reiterates through Sheikh Waqas Akram that Pakistan’s role must remain firmly rooted in strengthening peace, not in taking sides. The state’s diplomatic initiatives, supported by friendly countries in the region and beyond, have helped maintain the ceasefire environment and keep communication channels open during this critical period.
