ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the notion that it would seek a non-reconciliation order (NRO) or amnesty through dialogue with the government. Senior PTI leader Ali Zafar categorically stated in the Senate session on Wednesday that his party did not seek NRO through talks with the government. The references to former prime minister Imran Khan were clear, he added. The two sides – which held two dialogue sessions on December 27, 2024 and January 2, 2025 – are scheduled to meet again on Thursday (tomorrow) for the third round of talks convened by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at 11:30 am. in the parliament building. The PTI, which has demanded the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9 riots and November 26 protests, has set a deadline of January 31 for the ongoing talks to reach a “logical conclusion”. While the government has expressed dismay that the PTI has not submitted its demands in writing for several days now, party president Barrister Gohar Khan has confirmed that the demands will be put in writing and hopes for a positive outcome soon. In today’s session, Zafar mentioned, “We are fighting our cases. We will continue to fight them in the courts and we will emerge victorious. As far as talks are concerned, they have nothing to do with it. Imran Khan sahib did not demand it.” Zafar further mentioned that the property in Hyde Park, London belonged to Hassan Nawaz, son of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Questioning the source of funds to buy such an expensive property, he asked, “Where did Hassan Nawaz get the money to buy this property?” The PTI senator pointed out that the property was acquired during Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz’s tenure as prime minister. He claimed that the PTI founder’s case revolved around £190 million, allegedly proceeds of crime. He emphasized, however, that a court decision is needed to prove the illegitimacy of the money. “To date, no evidence has been presented to show that these were proceeds of crime,” he said. Zafar continued: “Unless it is proven that it is criminal money, the case ends.” He stressed that the UK government had decided the money was not linked to criminal activity, leading to the funds being unfrozen. He criticized the selective approach in the case, saying: “If a crime occurred, the entire cabinet that decided on it should have been held accountable. “Instead, only the PTI founder and his wife were targeted.” Zafar also clarified that trustees of charities have no personal claim to the assets of these entities. The long-awaited verdict in the £190m reference is due to be announced on January 17 after being postponed three times.
