Dialogue only with real powers: Imran

RAWALPINDI:

Doubling down on his stance on talks, PTI founder Imran Khan has reiterated that his party is open to negotiations, but only with those holding the reins of power.

Engaging with the government, he stressed, would be akin to legitimising a rigged election.

The incarcerated leader also said he would give an ear to any proposal brought by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who is engaging with parties, but rued that the moment talks are mentioned, they start raising a hue and cry about May 9 riots.

"We will consider any offer brought by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, but whenever talks are mentioned, they start making noise about May 9. It's their insurance policy," he said during an informal conversation with the media in Adiala Jail.

The former premier further outlined three objectives for the party's upcoming rally, scheduled for September 8, saying the power was aimed at reclaiming PTI's stolen mandate, liberating the country from the 'occupation group,' and ensuring an independent judiciary.

He also mentioned that becoming chancellor of Oxford University, a position he is vying for, would be an honour for Pakistan.

He sarcastically commented on the political landscape, suggesting that two new entries should be made in the Guinness Book of World Records: one for the U-turn where "respect for the vote" was replaced with "respect for the boot," and another for PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif losing despite aligning with "all four umpires".