Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have raised concerns over being denied a meeting with Imran Khan, despite ongoing talks about negotiations. They called for accountability regarding the November 26 events, pledging to seek justice for the violence that occurred, as reported by Express News.
During a press conference on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Omar Ayub, Salman Akram Raja, and Shibli Faraz, along with other party officials, shared their thoughts.
Barrister Gohar addressed speculation around delays in the Al-Qadir Trust case, suggesting it was not due to a possible deal but rather frivolous charges. He emphasized that the witnesses had confirmed that Imran Khan neither received any funds nor harmed the government. He also noted that, despite PTI’s openness to dialogue after a long hiatus, the party’s leadership faced over 200 legal cases. He criticized the unjust removal of their electoral symbol and the reversal of their victories.
The PTI chairman further highlighted the violence faced by the party’s workers, many of whom were still unaccounted for. He reiterated that PTI’s decision to engage in negotiations was based on two demands, with two rounds of talks already held. He clarified that the third round would only proceed once Imran Khan was allowed to meet with the leaders, stating that these negotiations were for the welfare of the people, not for striking deals, and urged prompt action on the negotiation draft.
Omar Ayub, the opposition leader in the National Assembly, echoed the call for a meeting with Imran Khan, criticizing the government for not responding. He pointed out that on December 5, PTI had formed a negotiating committee and set an agenda, but the party would not tolerate interference from other institutions in the process.
Ayub also called for a judicial commission to probe the incidents of May 9 and November 26, acknowledging that Imran Khan had forgiven those who had wronged him. He also criticized the government’s handling of the economy, citing a $14 billion capital flight over two years and the collapse of the manufacturing sector. Without a functioning manufacturing industry, he argued, the country’s economic progress would remain stagnant.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja confirmed that Imran Khan was committed to seeking the release of all prisoners, making it clear that the party would not ignore the bloodshed of November 26 and would pursue justice. Raja emphasized that PTI aimed to lead the country toward welfare, although they did not see similar intentions from the other side. He affirmed PTI’s commitment to demanding accountability for the events of November 26 and the February 8 election controversy, warning that continued injustices would jeopardize the country’s future and democracy.
Senator Shibli Faraz stressed the importance of upholding the constitution and rule of law, pointing to the Toshakhana case decision as evidence of the unfounded nature of the charges. He also expressed concern over the delay in the Al-Qadir Trust case decision, questioning why a verdict had not been reached yet. Faraz argued that a conviction would unjustly penalize those involved in charitable work, as neither Imran Khan nor his wife, Bushra Bibi, had personally benefited from the Al-Qadir Trust. He warned that the ongoing disregard for the law and constitution would lead to instability in the country and diminish the political influence of PTI, Pakistan’s largest political party.
