PTI leaders skip Adiala Jail visit

Court-mandated meet snub hints at internal rifts

RAWALPINDI:

Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appeared to intensify on Thursday after no party leader turned up to meet incarcerated party founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, despite prior arrangements for the meeting.

A list of six senior leaders had been submitted to jail authorities earlier in the day, seeking permission for the meeting.

The names included Barrister Gohar Khan, Salman Akram Raja and Sardar Latif Khosa, along with Babar Awan, Hamid Khan and Intezar Panjutha.

However, none of the leaders arrived at the jail before the meeting window closed at 4pm.

The Islamabad High Court has allowed Imran twice-a-week meetings - on Tuesdays and Thursdays - with his family, lawyers and other associates. Despite the order, the ex-premier has been largely restricted from meeting visitors for several months.

Party leaders have faced mounting criticism in recent months for routinely sending second- or third-tier representatives to Thursday meetings with Imran.

Every Tuesday, Imran's sisters consistently reach Adiala jail in an effort to meet their brother, regardless of the fact that such a meeting has not been allowed in recent months.

Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has welcomed the continued diplomatic momentum following the initial round of talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran.

Akram stated that the recent high-level engagements by Pakistan with key regional capitals, including visits to Tehran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, reflect the state's proactive and balanced diplomatic outreach aimed at de-escalation and consensus building. "The efforts underscore Pakistan's growing credibility as a responsible mediator in the region."

He noted that it is particularly noteworthy that the United States administration has expressed confidence in Pakistan's constructive role and mediation capacity, while acknowledging its ability to facilitate dialogue in this highly sensitive and complex situation. Such recognition reinforces the importance of Pakistan's continued engagement as a bridge for peace.

At this critical juncture, Akram emphasized that Pakistan is not only hosting talks - it is hosting history and helping write the future of the region and the world. This responsibility demands consistency, patience, and principled diplomacy, which the State of Pakistan has continued to demonstrate through its actions.

The PTI, through Sheikh Waqas Akram, reiterates that Pakistan's role must remain firmly anchored in strengthening peace, not in taking sides. The State's diplomatic initiatives, supported by friendly countries in the region and beyond, have helped sustain the ceasefire environment and keep channels of communication open during this critical period.