Imran sets conditions for talks with govt

Demands dismissal of cases, release of party members

RAWALPINDI:

Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan laid out three conditions on Saturday to initiate talks with the government.

“The first condition is that my cases should be dismissed, the second is to release our party members, and the third is to return our mandate,” the former prime minister stated during an informal conversation with journalists in the courtroom.

Commenting on the past negotiations with former chief of army staff Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, he recalled the formation of a three-member committee comprising Asad Umar, Pervez Khattak, and Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

“At that time, we were informed that the ‘baray sahab’ [big boss] had decided against holding elections,” he asserted. He highlighted his party’s grievance over what he termed the “February 8 robbery,” alluding to alleged electoral rigging.

He again warned of a hunger strike that would draw international attention if his demands were not met.

Regarding the recent Supreme Court verdict on reserved seats, the PTI founder hailed it as a “positive development.”

“The SC’s decision has renewed hope among the people,” Khan remarked, expressing gratitude to the judges for upholding the rule of law.

It may be noted here that despite previously refusing to engage with the ruling coalition, the PTI founder signalled a willingness last month to negotiate with political rivals. He appointed Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai to lead these efforts.

On Friday, the apex court declared PTI eligible for reserved seats, overturning the Peshawar High Court’s decision that had upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s denial of reserved seats to the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

190 million pound

Azam Khan, the principal secretary to former prime minister Imran Khan, on Saturday recorded his statement in the 190 million pound Al-Qadir Trust case, clarifying he did not attend the cabinet meeting in questions due to its “in-camera” nature.

Mr Azam, who served with the ex-prime minister for over three years, recorded his statement during an accountability court session at Adiala Jail hearing the case. Former state minister Zubaida Jalal also recorded her statement.

Former defence minister Pervez Khattak also appeared in court and marked his attendance. Due to engagements in Islamabad, the main lawyers for the PTI founder were unable to attend but were represented by Intezar Panjutha and Ali Zafar.

During the hearing, the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi appeared in court, while NAB was represented by Amjad Pervez, Sardar Muzaffar Abbas, and their legal team.

Azam Khan detailed his service as secretary to the former prime minister from August 2018 to April 2022. He recounted how Shehzad Akbar brought him a signed note directing that a confidential deed be presented to the cabinet for approval.

He said that Akbar, carrying a note with his own signature, stated that the Prime Minister had directed the deed to be submitted to the cabinet. Following this, he forwarded the file to the cabinet secretary to present the matter before the cabinet.

However, he clarified that he did not attend the cabinet meeting due to its “in-camera” nature.