After much ado, PTI leaders allowed to meet Imran

PTI founder instructs party to stay engaged with JUI-F chief

ISLAMABAD:

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified on Saturday that the party will not throw its weight behind any constitutional amendments until explicit orders come down from founding chairman Imran Khan.

A day after the party indicated that it was nearing consensus on the issue, Gohar explained that progress on the issue was not possible without a final nod from Imran, and that consultations with him were still ongoing.

The clarification came as the incarcerated party founder was found to be left in the dark regarding the issues related to the constitutional amendments during party leadership's visit to Adiala Jail.

Addressing the media at the K-P House in Islamabad following the visit, Gohar, revealed that Imran has instructed that discussions continue with JUI-F Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the amendments.

The meeting lasted a total of 45 minutes; however, the first 15 minutes were spent discussing the dire conditions in jail and the state of his cell over the past two weeks. Although the party had expected that the meeting would last about an hour and allow for a detailed consultation, jail authorities abruptly cut it short.

During the meeting, they discussed constitutional amendments, with Imran asserting the importance of upholding the constitution. He conveyed the outcomes of his meetings with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, mentioning that they had agreed to work together on any proposed amendments.

Gohar stated that Imran had been informed that it was a "constitutional bench," not a "constitutional court".

He further added that Imran Khan has directed the continuation of talks with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and that if the consultation process takes an additional two or three days, it is acceptable.

The PTI chairman indicated plans to meet with Imran again on Monday and highlighted the seriousness of the matter, reiterating the need for ongoing consultations with Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Imran Khan expressed full confidence in Ali Amin Gandapur and mentioned that other party members, including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Ahmad Bacher, should also be involved in these discussions.

However, Gohar said that the PTI founder was not fully aware of the developments surrounding the constitutional amendments. Nonetheless, Imran viewed the discussions with Fazl positively and was updated on the ongoing negotiations regarding the constitutional package.

He expressed the need to wait for clear directives before taking further steps.

Gohar reiterated the importance of their planned follow-up meeting with Imran and stressed that there is no rush regarding the amendments, stating, "If it takes another two days, it's not a joke".

He also underscored Imran's commitment not to compromise on the dignity of the nation and expressed regret over the recent arrests of party members' sisters.

Barrister Gohar pointed out that the consultation process regarding these amendments remains incomplete. Imran also requested consultations with Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Malik Ahmad Bhachar.

He called for the immediate release of two PTI senators, asserting that the government lacks a two-thirds majority.

Barrister Gohar confirmed that Imran Khan is in good health and mentioned that it was the first time Imran had detailed his conditions in jail. He also revealed that Khan has not been able to exercise for the past two weeks and was unaware of the recent arrests of his sisters and the detention of Intezar Panjutha.