Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Khan Swati claimed on Tuesday that party founder Imran Khan has agreed to hold negotiations.
Speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Swati said that Imran Khan is deeply concerned about the future of the country and the wellbeing of future generations. "The entire nation now stands with the PTI founder," he stated.
Swati further said that any dialogue that takes place would be productive when it begins.
Swati was in court to attend hearings related to multiple arson cases, including the Jinnah House incident. The anti-terrorism court extended his interim bail until May 13.
The prosecution informed the court that the case records are currently with the Supreme Court, where bail petitions are under review. The court instructed the prosecution to present the records at the next hearing.
Earlier, the PTI distanced itself from reports suggesting senior party member Azam Swati is engaged in talks with the military establishment, with party secretary general Salman Akram Raja stating such actions are not sanctioned by the party leadership.
"The claims of a deal between Azam Swati and the establishment have no connection with PTI. He is speaking in his personal capacity,” said Akram Raja.
Responding to questions over why senior leaders had not yet been permitted to meet party founder Imran Khan, Raja suggested the delay was intentional.
“It appears efforts are being made to create ambiguity. Once we meet him, it will become clear whether he has authorised any dialogue,” he said.
Raja stressed that no negotiations or decisions could be confirmed without direct consultation with Imran Khan.
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