Imran calls PTI's negotiation team to Adiala Jail

Committee includes key figures such as Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, K-P CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Asad Qaiser and others

Listen to article

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has summoned all seven members of his negotiating committee to meet him at Adiala Jail.

The committee includes key figures such as Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Asad Qaiser, Hamid Khan, Advocate Salman Akram Raja, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, and Hamid Raza Khan.

PTI’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, submitted a formal request to Adiala Jail authorities for the meeting.

The committee members are expected to meet Imran Khan later today, in addition to his family members.

The move comes amid increasing political tensions in Pakistan, with Imran Khan issuing an ultimatum to the government, demanding the fulfilment of his two major demands by Sunday. Failing this, Imran Khan has threatened to initiate a civil disobedience movement.

Following a visit to the jail yesterday, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, revealed that the former prime minister has repeated his call for judicial inquiries into the events of May 9 and November 26, as well as the immediate release of innocent PTI workers detained during protests.

PTI talks dependent on Nawaz Sharif’s approval: Rana Sanaullah

Rana Sanaullah, Prime Minister’s adviser and senior Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader, has announced that any negotiations with PTI will depend on Nawaz Sharif's approval, with the establishment also being consulted, Express News reported.

During an interview on a local news channel, Sanaullah stated that the government's approach to PTI will be inclusive of the establishment. “Negotiations with PTI are conditional on Nawaz Sharif’s approval, and the government will keep the establishment onboard,” he said.

Sanaullah revealed that talks with PTI could begin by Sunday, noting that a meeting had already been held with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the matter.

However, while dismissing the idea of any quick resolutions, he made it clear that PTI’s demands would not see progress before Sunday, adding, "If PTI is eager for a civil disobedience movement in haste, they can pursue it, but it will ultimately fail miserably."

 

Sanaullah also criticised the prospect of a civil disobedience movement, particularly in relation to overseas Pakistanis. He pointed out that these individuals, who send remittances to their families, would not cease their financial support, making the proposed movement ineffective.

"Overseas Pakistanis send money to their loved ones, not to the government, so their remittances will continue regardless of any civil disobedience," he remarked.

Last week, the PML-N government and PTI were on the verge of initiating talks to resolve their long-standing differences and bring political stability to Pakistan. However, progress stalled when both parties linked the talks to certain conditions.

The initial breakthrough came when PTI leader Asad Qaiser met National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to offer condolences, during which both agreed that dialogue was necessary.

Both parties had consented to establish a formal communication channel and form committees to address issues in parliament through constructive discussions. However, PTI soon reassessed its position, wanting to avoid the appearance of "begging for talks."

Meanwhile, some PML-N leaders insisted that PTI withdraw its call for civil disobedience and secure full authorization from Imran Khan before proceeding with meaningful discussions, in order to prevent a repeat of the abrupt end to previous talks.