ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized federal ministers for frequently bringing up the May 9 events whenever his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), suggests dialogue, but reiterated his openness to talks, even with the current government. However, he emphasized his preference for engaging in dialogue with those who have enabled the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to come to power, hinting at the establishment, rather than with the government itself, which he considers unproductive.
Speaking to the media after a court hearing on the Toshakhana reference on Monday, Mr. Khan mocked the PML-N, stating that while they initially campaigned to “respect the vote,” they were now showing deference to the “boot,” a reference to military influence. He humorously suggested that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif might qualify for a Guinness World Record for abandoning his earlier narrative and losing political battles despite having strong support.
Mr. Khan also alleged that Nawaz Sharif had defeated PTI’s Yasmin Rashid with 74,000 fake votes and criticized PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal, who he claimed were now seeking his apology for the May 9 incidents despite their own past criticism of the military. He accused the PML-N of using the May 9 protests to secure their political future and called for a judicial probe into the events, alleging that those who removed the CCTV footage were behind the conspiracy.
Mr. Khan outlined three main objectives for PTI’s upcoming public meeting on September 8: the restoration of the stolen mandate, the removal of a “qabza group,” and the independence of the judiciary, which he claimed was under attack to extend the tenure of the current Chief Justice of Pakistan.
No Offer of Talks from PML-N
Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui denied that Nawaz Sharif had extended any offer of talks to PTI. He clarified that Mr. Sharif did not mention the PTI or dialogue with it during a recent party meeting, and dismissed reports suggesting that PML-N was seeking dialogue through Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mehmood Achakzai.
Senator Siddiqui also ruled out the possibility of talks with PTI, accusing the opposition party of promoting a “politics of lies.” He suggested that PTI leaders were anxious about the impending decision in the £190 million corruption case against Imran Khan.
Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif also dismissed the possibility of talks, stating that the party’s recent meeting did not discuss political matters, and the current atmosphere was not conducive for negotiations with PTI.
Media reports had earlier speculated about a potential dialogue after a meeting between Mr. Achakzai and PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah, but the PTI has ruled out direct talks with PML-N and instead expressed interest in negotiations with the establishment.
PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan emphasized the need to resolve the deadlock between the PTI and the military for the state’s interests, stating that any dialogue would be conducted within the framework of the Constitution.
