PTI rebels question opposition outreach

MPAs ask if talks are linked to Imran's release

PESHAWAR:

Disgruntled members of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have raised serious questions over the provincial government and party leadership's contacts with opposition parties.

The lawmakers have asked whether these meetings are being held on the instructions of Imran Khan and if the agenda behind them is the former prime minister's release. They further questioned why party workers and the parliamentary committee are not being taken into confidence about the nature and objectives of these meetings.

The aggrieved lawmakers have accepted the invitation for dialogue extended by party chairman Barrister Gohar and have formed a negotiation committee. A meeting of the government's dissident lawmakers was held in Peshawar, after which a statement was issued. According to the statement, certain elements are deliberately attempting to attribute the movement to a specific individual or group, whereas the sole purpose of the "Imran Khan Release Movement" is to secure Imran Khan's release and uphold his vision. There is no other agenda or goal.

Following detailed consultations, the following declaration was issued:

1. The Imran Khan Release Movement of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly notes that despite earlier calls for a comprehensive and clear strategy to secure Imran Khan's release, no significant progress has been made so far. The consultative committee has expressed deep concern and condemnation over this and once again demanded that a clear strategy be formulated and practical steps be taken urgently.

2. The committee expressed reservations over the provincial leadership and government's continuous meetings with opposition parties and their leaders. It asked: Are these meetings being held on Imran Khan's instructions? Is the agenda of these meetings Imran Khan's release? If so, why are party workers and the parliamentary committee not being informed about the nature and objectives of these meetings? It has often been observed that various individuals keep meeting opposition leaders, but neither workers nor the parliamentary committee are taken into confidence, nor are the purposes of these meetings made clear.

3. Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Barrister Gohar, has formally contacted the consultative committee of the Imran Khan Release Movement and expressed a desire for a meeting. The Imran Khan Release Movement, welcomes this initiative. All committee members have unanimously proposed the names of a few representatives to hold a formal session with him as soon as possible to further advance the movement for Imran Khan's release.

4. The consultative committee has unanimously decided to soon reach out to all PTI parliamentarians.