"There has been no contact with the establishment so far:" PTI's Barrister Saif

Information Minister confirms no contact with establishment amid PTI's protest on 24 November

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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's Information and Public Relations Adviser Barrister Dr Saif has stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has not had any contact with the "establishment so far."

He reiterated that a major protest will take place on November 24 and warned that if the PTI's demands are not met, the planned demonstration could escalate to a sit-in in Islamabad, Express News reported.

In a press briefing, Barrister Saif stated that the protest plans are underway, with K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur. Meetings are being held to prepare for the march, with sessions ongoing for the past three days. Consultations and meetings are taking place with MPAs, MNAs, and organisational leaders.

Preparations are being made for the demonstration, with PTI members from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expected to attend in large numbers.

Saif clarified that no provincial machinery will be used for the protest.

He further added that there is no permission to use provincial resources. In the previous rally, the chief minister was present along with party workers, which is why Rescue 1122 vehicles were there. He also denied rumours of any involvement of Bushra Bibi in PTI's political strategy, emphasising her non-participation in active politics.

The adviser mentioned that the international community continues to address human rights concerns linked to PTI’s leadership but ruled out any direct statements from figures like Donald Trump regarding Pakistan’s political landscape.

The K-P adviser's statements comes after The Guardian reported that the military had made it clear that it has no intention of negotiating or striking a deal with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, following comments from the PTI founder that he was open to engaging with the army leadership, even from his jail cell.

Imran, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, is prohibited from meeting journalists, but The Guardian was able to submit questions through his legal team.

In his responses, Imran confirmed that he has had "no personal engagement with the military" since his arrest and imprisonment in August of the previous year.

Despite this, Imran expressed a willingness to engage with the military establishment, provided any discussions are based on principles that prioritise the interests of the people and uphold Pakistan's democratic values.

"Any engagement would be based on principles and in the interest of the people, not personal gain or compromises that undermine Pakistan's democratic values," he stated. He also made it clear that he would "rather live the rest of my life in prison than compromise on my principles."

A source close to the military, quoted by The Guardian, dismissed any possibility of a deal, stating, "Imran has to face the court cases against him and can't expect any deals from the military. He wants everyone to follow the rule of law, but he does not want this rule of law for himself."