Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has categorically refused to give permission to any party member to participate in the negotiations with the establishment, according to PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
In a speech with journalists outside Rawalpindis Adiala prison on Tuesday to met former prime minister, Gohar rejected the recent claims from PTI Senator Azam Swati, who had suggested that Khan had approved backchannel conversations to stabilize the country’s political situation.
In a recent TV conversation, SWATI had hinted at possible meetings with key figures and even suggested that former President Dr. ARIF ALVI in the negotiation process.
Gohar, however, made it clear that Khan has neither approved such initiatives nor pressed anyone to mediate an agreement. “PTI founder said he has not pressed anyone to enter into an agreement,” he said, adding that Khan issued six statements during their meeting.
He also approached the bill for mining and minerals introduced in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly. He said the PTI founder would have a formal attitude after consultation with political leaders, especially KP Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The bill has touched criticism from opposition parties and some PTI members who claim it compromises on the province’s autonomy. However, the KP government maintains the bill aims to limit illegal mining and encourage investment.
Khan also shared concerns about Afghan refugee issues and regional dynamics involving Afghanistan. In internal affairs, he instructed party members to avoid public criticism of each other and called for unity as PTI considers a wider opposition alliance.
“PTI -founder said that all opposition parties will have to gather on a single platform for [the protection of] Democracy, ”he noted.
He criticized the prison authorities for limiting access to Khan and revealed that although only two lawyers were approved for the meeting, five were allowed inside.
Gohar also condemned the continued denial of visits from KHAN’s family, especially his sisters, despite clear Islamabad High Court -Being ordering two weekly meetings.
