The state and the opposition have communicated about a possible engagement with Imran Khan, the PTI founder, and the proposed demonstration scheduled for October 15. The discussion has raised questions, particularly about the fate of the protest and how it will affect the forthcoming SCO summit.
Interior Minister’s Call to PTI Legal Representative
According to PTI insiders, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI founder legal representative, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, via telephone last night. This call signals a potential breakthrough in the ongoing standoff between the government and PTI. During the conversation, the Interior Minister assured Barrister Gohar of a scheduled meeting with Imran Khan this afternoon.
Meeting with Imran Khan: Key Assurance
Sources have confirmed that the Interior Minister guaranteed Barrister Gohar a one-on-one meeting with Imran Khan. Furthermore, Barrister Gohar also requested that Imran Khan’s doctor be allowed to meet him, a request made in light of the ongoing health concerns surrounding the PTI leader.
Formal Request for Meeting Submitted
Barrister Gohar had already taken formal steps by submitting a written request to the Ministry of Interior the day before. This request specifically asked for an audience with Imran Khan and another PTI leader, Hamid Khan. The Ministry has yet to respond to this written appeal, though last night’s phone call suggests progress.
October 15th Protest and SCO Summit Clash
Attention is active to the protest planned for October 15 in D-Chowk of Islamabad,, which will be held during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Two hundred countries will be present at the summit, with dignitaries from heads of state from the nations participating. There is a clash of concerns on this issue and the impact of the demonstration on security and logistics during the above-mentioned summit.
PTI founder Position on the Protest
Waqas Akram Sheikh, the PTI spokesperson, clarified that if the government permits a meeting between PTI founder and the PTI leadership, they may call off the protest planned for October 15th. He emphasized that the party focuses on dialogue and peacefully resolving issues Government’s Stance:
Opposition’s Intentions
Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry has dismissed the opposition’s protest as a diversionary tactic. He claims that the meeting with Imran Khan is merely an excuse, and the real aim is to disrupt the SCO summit. According to him, neither the government nor any court has instructed such a meeting; therefore, there is no obligation to facilitate it.
As the date approaches, all eyes are on how both parties will handle this delicate situation. The outcome of the meeting—or lack thereof—will likely determine the course of the October 15th protest and its implications for national politics and the international summit.
