Imran rules out deal, open to talks in 'Pakistan’s interest'
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has ruled out “give-and-take” deal, stating that talks will only be held in the interest of Pakistan.
This was conveyed by Senator Ali Zafar following a recent meeting with the jailed former prime minister at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan has been held since August 2023 on a range of charges, including corruption and terrorism.
“Imran said he is ready to negotiate for the sake of unity in the country,” Ali Zafar told reporters outside the prison, adding that the talks must be transparent, honest, and strictly in the national interest—not for any personal gain.”
“If I wanted relief, I would have asked for it long ago,” Ali Zafar quoted Imran Khan as saying.
Imran's statement came after his sister, Aleema Khan, urged for dialogue through a "give-and-take" approach.
Ali Zafar, speaking to reporters, said that Imran also renewed his demand for swift justice in all legal cases against him and other PTI members, accusing the authorities of deliberately delaying court proceedings. “I only want justice,” he said quoting former prime minister.
A few days earlier, Imran Khan had instructed the party to begin preparations for a major nationwide movement against the current government.
Through his sister, Aleema Khan, the former prime minister conveyed that while he would not summon supporters to Islamabad, the campaign would be launched across Pakistan.
“Start preparing for a mass movement,” Aleema quoted her brother as saying. “I will not call people to Islamabad, but we will launch the movement across Pakistan.”
She said Imran remained defiant in the face of what he called state oppression, vowing to resist all forms of torture and pressure. “Imran Khan has made it clear that even if he spends his entire life behind bars, he will not surrender to subjugation,” she added.
Meanwhile, PTI central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Wednesday dismissed reports of ongoing negotiations with the government, saying dialogue "does not work like this".
Addressing a news conference, the party's central information secretary clarified that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan has denied initiating talks.
"You can't drive daggers of hatred into someone's chest and still expect goodwill in return," he added.
Source: The Express Tribune
