Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan summoned all seven members of his negotiating committee to meet him at Adiala jail.
The committee includes key personalities like Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Asad Qaiser, Hamid Khan, Advocate Salman Akram Raja, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Hamid Raza Khan.
PTI’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, made a formal request to the Adiala Jail authorities for a meeting.
The committee members are expected to meet Imran Khan today, besides his family members.
The move comes amid rising political tensions in Pakistan, with Imran Khan issuing an ultimatum to the government demanding the fulfillment of his two main demands by Sunday. If this is not done, Imran Khan has threatened to launch a civil disobedience movement.
After visiting the jail yesterday, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan revealed that the former prime minister reiterated his call for a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26, as well as the immediate release of innocent PTI workers detained during the protests.
PTI talks depend on Nawaz Sharif’s approval: Rana Sanaullah
Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister and a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), announced that any talks with the PTI would depend on Nawaz Sharif’s approval, while the organization would also be consulted, Express News reported.
During an interview on a local news channel, Sanaullah said that the government’s approach to PTI will include the establishment. “Deals with PTI are subject to Nawaz Sharif’s approval and the government will keep the facility on board,” he said.
Sanaullah disclosed that talks with PTI could begin on Sunday and noted that a meeting has already been held with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the matter.
But while dismissing the idea of any quick fixes, he made it clear that the PTI’s demands would not see progress before Sunday, adding, “If the PTI wants the rush of a civil disobedience movement, they can continue it, but it will ultimately fail.” miserably.”
Sanaullah also criticized the prospect of a civil disobedience movement, particularly in relation to overseas Pakistanis. He pointed out that these individuals who send remittances to their families will not stop providing financial support, making the proposed movement ineffective.
“Overseas Pakistanis send money to their loved ones, not to the government, so their remittances will continue regardless of any civil disobedience,” he noted.
Last week, the PML-N government and the PTI were on the verge of starting talks to resolve their long-standing differences and bring political stability to Pakistan. However, progress stalled as the two sides tied the talks with certain conditions.
The initial breakthrough came when PTI leader Asad Qaiser met National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to offer condolences, during which both agreed that dialogue was necessary.
Both sides agreed to establish a formal communication channel and create committees to resolve issues in parliament through constructive discussions. However, the PTI soon reconsidered its stance and wanted to avoid the appearance of “begging for talks”.
Meanwhile, some PML-N leaders insisted that the PTI withdraw its call for civil disobedience and secure full permission from Imran Khan before resuming meaningful discussions to avoid a repeat of the abrupt termination of previous talks.
