Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed his willingness to negotiate if the Pakistan Army appoints a representative. During a conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Khan emphasized that PTI has never accused the military but has been critical. He stated that he would not engage in talks with Mohsin Naqvi.
Key Points from Imran Khan’s Discussion
Khan mentioned that Mehmood Khan Achakzai was given the mandate for negotiations and expressed complete trust in him. He outlined three primary demands for talks: the return of the stolen mandate, the release of detained workers and the withdrawal of cases against them, and the necessity of transparent elections to save the country. He also supported Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s call for resignations from assemblies and endorsed Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in, urging PTI’s leadership to join immediately.
Imran Khan highlighted the economic hardships faced by the common man, citing a high electricity bill for the person cleaning his jail cell. They reiterated PTI’s innocence regarding the May 9 incidents and condemned any party members found guilty. He criticized the government’s attempts to create conflict between PTI and the military and discredit the party. He also refuted claims of apologizing to the NAB prosecutor and condemned the NAB’s role in his imprisonment.
Government’s Response
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar accused Khan of making a U-turn and pleading for negotiations. Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Tarar criticized Khan for being inconsistent and posing a security risk to national institutions. He accused Khan of dragging the military into politics for personal gain and highlighted the economic improvements since Khan’s imprisonment.
Further Criticism and Allegations
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb dismissed Khan’s plea for negotiations with the military, calling for him to apologize to the families of the martyrs for the organized May 9 incidents. She emphasized that such acts were not a criticism but an attack on the state. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari criticized Khan for shifting blame to Maryam Nawaz and condemned him for his past actions as Prime Minister.
Bukhari pointed out the arrests of PML-N leaders during Khan’s tenure and highlighted the loyalty of PML-N members despite political persecution. She warned that PTI must answer for the failed insurrection on May 9 and face consequences for their actions.
