Avoid compromise on prisoners' release: Imran Khan to PTI

Imran meets two members of PTI’s negotiation committee, held ahead of second round of talks scheduled for later today.

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Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has issued a firm directive to his party to avoid any compromise on the issue of prisoner release as talks with the government approach.

Imran's message came during a meeting with two members of PTI’s negotiation committee – Barrister Ali Zafar and Suleman Akram Raja – at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Express News reported.

The meeting, held ahead of the second round of talks scheduled for later today, was a critical discussion to finalise PTI’s strategy.

Suleman Akram Raja, who spoke briefly to the media after the meeting, reaffirmed the party’s position. "We are standing firm on our stance, and we remain hopeful about the success of the negotiations," he said.

Following the meeting, the two committee members left the jail to prepare for the next round of negotiations.

Imran Khan’s clear instruction to the committee was not to give in to any pressure regarding the release of prisoners, a key sticking point in the ongoing political dialogue.

This upcoming round of negotiations is expected to be pivotal.

The first round of talks, which took place on December 23, concluded with both sides agreeing to continue discussions. Today’s meeting will follow that initial agreement, where the government’s committee will again engage with PTI representatives to try to reach a resolution.

The government’s team is led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and includes key figures such as Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and others.

PTI’s negotiating committee is headed by former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and includes party leaders such as Ejaz Chaudhry, Hamid Raza, and Raja Nasser Abbas.

Earlier today, mercy petitions submitted by 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 protests have been approved, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement on Thursday.

“Sequel to the promulgation of punishments to 9th May Tragedy convicts, they have exercised their right to appeal and have asked for mercy / remission in their punishments,” the military’s media wing stated.

The ISPR further said that a total of 67 convicts had submitted mercy petitions, with 48 of these petitions processed to Courts of Appeal. It added that the petitions of 19 convicts had been accepted “purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with law.”

“They all shall be released after completion of procedural formalities,” the statement continued.

The press release also mentioned that the mercy petitions of the remaining convicts would be decided in due course, following the legal process. It emphasised that all those convicted retain their right to appeal and pursue other legal remedies as per the law and constitution.

“The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of the due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” the ISPR concluded.

In December, military courts sentenced 60 more civilians to prison terms for their roles in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023.

The sentences come just days after the ISPR announced that 25 civilians had been handed prison terms for their involvement in the same events.

The individuals have been convicted for their involvement in violent attacks on key military and government facilities, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore, the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the ISI office in Faisalabad, and Bannu Cantt, among others, the ISPR stated.

“Sequel to the announcement of the May 9 punishments in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Field General Court Martial has promulgated the punishments to the following remaining 60 culprits after examining all evidences, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to the convicts, completion of due process and the appropriate legal proceedings,” the statement said.

The statement further emphasised that all individuals sentenced have the legal right to appeal, as outlined by the country's laws.