Imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has declared he will not authorize anyone to hold negotiations with the establishment, according to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday.
This statement follows claims by PTI leader Azam Swati, who asserted he had received Khan’s approval to engage with the establishment to resolve issues aimed at stabilizing the country’s political landscape.
Last week, Swati, speaking to a private news channel, indicated he would meet with “someone” before revealing his future course of action. He also hinted at involving former President Dr. Arif Alvi and others in the negotiation process, mentioning a planned meeting “next Wednesday” and expressing his desire for Alvi and other associates to join him.
After meeting with Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Gohar told reporters that the party founder had issued “six statements” today.
“The PTI founder stated he has not pressured anyone to strike a deal,” Gohar said, adding that Khan also mentioned the party would unveil its stance on the mining and minerals act after consulting with political leaders.
Gohar added that he would discuss the mining and minerals bill with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
A recently introduced bill in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly by the ruling PTI, designed to regulate investment in the province’s mining and minerals sector, has ignited significant debate, drawing criticism from opposition parties, allies, and even within the PTI itself.
Critics argue the proposed law threatens provincial autonomy and could grant the federal government increased control over KP’s natural resources.
However, the KP government insists the legislation has been misinterpreted and is intended to curb illegal mining and attract investment.
The bill was tabled in the provincial assembly as the federal government actively promoted the country’s mineral reserves to attract foreign investment.
Gohar urged PTI leadership to refrain from making statements on the matter until Gandapur and political leaders meet with Khan.
Furthermore, the PTI founder “expressed concerns” regarding issues related to Afghan refugees and Afghanistan.
Addressing internal party disagreements, the PTI founder issued strict directives to party leaders to cease making statements against each other.
The jailed former prime minister also gave instructions regarding the grand opposition alliance, stating that the PTI should focus on a concise agenda for cooperation with opposition parties.
“The PTI founder said all opposition parties must unite on a single platform to protect democracy,” Gohar stated.
Today’s meeting between Khan and PTI leaders was marred by controversy, as Gohar criticized the jail authorities for allowing “only two lawyers” from their list to meet with Khan, while “five lawyers met the PTI founder today.”
It’s important to note that PTI leaders who met with Khan at Adiala Jail included Gohar, Barrister Salman Safdar, Faisal Chaudhry, Ali Imran, and Rai Salman.
The PTI lawmaker also condemned jail authorities for denying Khan’s family members visitation rights. “We condemn you for not allowing Khan’s sisters to meet him.”
He reiterated the Islamabad High Court’s clear instructions to jail authorities to allow Khan meetings twice a week.
‘Doors of Negotiations Not Closed’
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that former PM Khan has never closed the door to negotiations, adding that talks could only occur in the national interest, addressing core issues such as the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.
He reiterated that the PTI founder believes in seeking justice through the courts, adding that Khan chose to pursue release through legal means, not through deals.
The party spokesperson explained that Khan directed CM Gandapur to provide a briefing on the mines and minerals bill, which will be passed after his approval.
The top leader also instructed PTI leaders to avoid making conflicting statements regarding the legislation. Additionally, the PTI founder called on the KP Assembly to introduce a resolution on Afghan refugees, Akram concluded.
