PTI divided on PM's talks offer

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that he accepted the government's offer for political dialogue in his capacity as party chairman but categorically ruled out the possibility of any deal.

Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House, Barrister Gohar said that PTI has always kept the doors of negotiations open. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an offer for dialogue on the floor of the house, which he accepted as PTI chairman.

"I assured the government that I would convey the message to the PTI founder and party leadership," Gohar said.

However, he declined to share any details of his meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan regarding the offer, calling it an internal party matter.

He stressed that Imran Khan would not be part of any deal with the government.

Responding to a question about the recent rare media appearance of Imran Khan's children, Gohar said he was pleased by their interview, noting that they had conveyed in a dignified manner that their father was unwilling to compromise.

He added that the PTI founder never instructed his children or party leaders to pursue any deal for his release from prison. He said he does not share matters related to the PTI founder with anyone.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khanum, categorically denied reports suggesting PTI's willingness to hold talks with the government. She said she had no idea where the news came from.

"When we asked the PTI founder about it, he dismissed the claim," Aleema said, asserting that the PML-N had stolen the public mandate and formed the government. "What is there to discuss with those who stole the mandate?" she questioned.

Aleema also pointed out that Imran is imprisoned in Punjab's Adiala jail and that all cases against him are being pursued in the same province. She said the 26th Amendment was introduced specifically to deny him justice.

"I was told in Peshawar that Shehbaz Sharif has held talks with Imran Khan. I was surprised to learn it. Later, it emerged that Shehbaz had talked to Barrister Gohar," Aleema noted.

She said there is only one chairman of PTI and that is Imran Khan who gives all directives regarding party matters, adding Barrister Gohar was given the chairman's post only to convey messages.

In addition, PTI leader Naeem Haider Panjutha also refuted reports of PTI's deal with the government, saying such reports are meant to secure high ratings. The PTI founder takes people into confidence before taking any step and he does not make deals behind closed doors, said Panjutha.