PTI clarifies incarcerated leaders remain resolute

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has clarified that the letter written by its Punjab leadership, while highlighting the importance of meaningful dialogue, also dispels speculation that its incarcerated leaders had buckled under any pressure.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, PTI’s Punjab social media head said the letter, authored by one of the five jailed leaders and delivered to the media through their lawyers, was not making any new demands per se.

He explained that the party seeks to hold negotiations at all levels, including with the powers that be, “who in reality are running the show and calling the shots”.

He emphasised that the letter’s key purpose was to reject the impression that PTI leaders currently behind bars were looking to settle their disputes with state institutions in a bid to end their prolonged incarceration.

“All these five leaders are standing tall, and their commitment to the party’s cause remains unwavering,” he said.

The PTI's call for a broader negotiation process comes as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has already garnered the support of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique called the PTI letter “wise and pertinent".

Posting on his social media handles, Saad Rafique wrote: “The letter from senior PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail in support of the dialogue process between political parties is important and wise. If the PTI founders agree with the opinion of their senior colleagues, then talks can begin.”

However, he added that discussions should be held without preconditions and focus on reducing bitterness through dialogue and gradually easing confrontations. “If we can talk to enemy countries, why can't we talk to each other?” he wrote.

Rafique noted that Pakistan urgently needs a new and broader democratic charter, stating, “No discussion can be fruitful without reaching consensus on this. Let’s sit down together and decide on the rule of the Constitution in Pakistan, or recite the Fatiha of democracy.”

He further stated that the political forces, both in government and opposition, remain a political reality, regardless of shifting popularity ratings.

“Similarly, denying the power of the establishment is also a denial of reality. The solution to our political crisis will come not through the use of force against force, but through dialogue and deliberation,” he added.

“Whatever solution to differences and complex issues emerges, it will be a step-by-step process. Instead of wasting energy on dragging and tearing each other apart, we should discuss ways to move the country forward,” Rafique said.

Commenting on PTI’s announcement to launch a protest movement after Muharram, he said, “I have no doubt that the protest movement will not be successful, even after Muharram”.

He attributed the expected failure to the harsh weather, PTI’s weak organisational structure, internal rifts, and the rigidity of state institutions.

A day earlier, the PPP had also voiced support for initiating a national dialogue process and called for the creation of a new charter akin to the Charter of Democracy.

‘Inmate consensus supports talks’

Earlier in the day, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja to visit him in jail, stating that it was the consensus of the inmates of Kot Lakhpat jail that negotiations should be made.

Speaking to journalists during his jail trial, Qureshi added, “I will not disclose the name to whom PTI should initiate talks”.

“The timing of things is very important and it matters a lot in politics, so I will disclose the name at the right time,” he added.

Regarding the party’s continued struggle for political dialogue, he said, “We have been talking about negotiations for two years, so what solution is left except protests when no reply is received?”

Qureshi said that PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, would ultimately make the final decision on any negotiations. “We wanted to talk with powerful corridors, but they received a reply that PTI should talk with politicians,” he said.

He noted that confusion had intensified due to the lack of access to Imran Khan. “They should be given access to Imran Khan so that we could take his view and explain ourselves,” he said.

The seasoned politician said, “They are in jail and they don’t know what is on the ground. I have 42 years’ experience in politics". "The country should flourish.”

Dr Yasmeen Rashid, another incarcerated PTI leader, echoed the sentiments of jailed party members. “We are in jails for the sake of this country, not for mines. We know we had not committed any offence; we know they will punish us, but even then, they are sticking to their stance and not bowing down to their vested interests,” she said.

“I have a lot of educational degrees and I could go to any country for a better life, but I will not do it, as Pakistan is my country and I love it,” she added. “We talk about the constitution and will get justice through the courts.”