ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has decided to soften his stance and has directed his party leaders to establish contacts both within and outside the Parliament to alleviate the ongoing political tension.
PTI’s leadership plans to engage in discussions with various political parties outside the Parliament, while its lawmakers will work on strengthening relations with parties within the ruling coalition government.
Khan’s decision followed his interaction with Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, during a Supreme Court hearing the previous day. During the hearing on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law amendments, CJP Isa advised Khan to return to Parliament to help address Pakistan’s challenges, emphasizing the need for the country to progress.
From Adiala Jail, where he has been held since August 2023, Khan complained via video link about the political “victimisation” he has faced since being ousted from power in April 2022.
The PTI founder has authorized a three-member committee within his party to establish contact with the establishment, according to sources.
Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is reportedly engaged in back-channel communications with various stakeholders.
The sources further revealed that PTI has decided to support the state in achieving political and economic stability to reduce tensions. “The party will move forward by negotiating on various matters, including the committees of the Senate and National Assembly,” they said.
Former president and PTI leader Dr. Arif Alvi claimed on June 5 that the imprisoned party founder was being pressured to “strike a deal and leave the country.” Alvi stated that Khan had rejected this offer, insisting he would not leave the country “at any cost.”
Alvi predicted that those attempting to convict Khan, the former prime minister, would ultimately fail. He reiterated that the PTI is willing to engage in dialogue with stakeholders but not with non-stakeholders, urging the stakeholders to abandon hatred and embrace compassion.
Alvi also emphasized that stakeholders should not fear any risks following Khan’s release. He called for the former prime minister’s release, the upholding of the law, and the restoration of the party’s mandate.
Alvi criticized the current rulers, claiming they were powerless and lacked the authority to make decisions, having come to power through “Form 47.” He reiterated that the PTI would only negotiate with those who genuinely hold decision-making power.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
