ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has agreed to engage in talks, but only with the “powerful quarters,” according to his lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry. This decision comes as PTI prepares for its “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad on November 24.
Chaudhry explained that the PTI founder gave his consent after a nearly two-hour meeting with party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur at Adiala Jail. The meeting aimed to seek permission to hold talks should contact be established. Imran Khan emphasized that discussions would only proceed with the powerful quarters and would focus solely on PTI’s demands.
When asked about the November 24 protest, the lawyer stated that it would continue until PTI’s demands are met. He also shared that CM Gandapur briefed the former prime minister on the preparations for the upcoming demonstration.
Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, confirmed the development outside Adiala Jail, stating that her brother authorized talks to secure the return of the “stolen mandate.” She added that the talks would also address the release of jailed party workers and leaders, as well as the restoration of democracy. Imran Khan has set a deadline of Thursday for the party leaders to initiate talks with the “powerful quarters.”
Aleema Khan further explained that the November 24 protest would be a celebration if the “stolen mandate” was returned. She reiterated that Imran Khan had called for negotiations with the establishment, as the current rulers themselves admitted that they did not possess real power.
This shift in stance contrasts with the PTI’s official position. Earlier, party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram ruled out any talks with stakeholders before their planned nationwide protest. However, The News reported that a high-level contact had been made between PTI and a key government figure, discussing a potential breakthrough.
A source revealed that the initial contact was positive, though names were not disclosed. If negotiations proceed smoothly, PTI may consider calling off its November 24 protest in exchange for assurances that their demands will be addressed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Gandapur has also mentioned raising the issue of Imran Khan and PTI’s ongoing tension with the military establishment in the Apex Committee. PTI, which aims to hold a large-scale rally on November 24, is reportedly reassessing its stance on confronting the military. There is growing internal discussion within PTI about stopping attacks on the institution and its leadership, acknowledging that such tactics have not been effective and may not yield positive results moving forward.
