PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has emphasised the party's firm stance on negotiations and the demands set forth by its founder, Imran Khan.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Monday, Barrister Gohar clarified that two meetings have been held with the government’s negotiation committee, but a third round is contingent on meeting the incarcerated PTI founder.
“We have conveyed to the government negotiation committee the necessity of meeting the PTI founder before moving forward. While we hoped to meet today, there is no confirmation yet. Hopefully, the meeting will take place tomorrow,” Barrister Gohar stated.
Gohar also dismissed rumours of backdoor negotiations involving Bushra Bibi, terming them as false and baseless. “Bushra Bibi is not part of the negotiation process. All discussions are being conducted solely by the committee formed by Imran Khan,” he clarified, adding that someone gave a false report about backdoor negotiations with her.
"We have no backdoor contacts or negotiations," he stressed, adding that the PTI's demands include the release of prisoners and the establishment of a judicial commission for which the party founder has given a time frame.
Barrister Gohar also highlighted Imran Khan's stance on the £190 million reference that its verdict should be announced, asserting that Khan did not benefit personally from the case and that witnesses have corroborated his lack of direct involvement.
“I am hopeful that both the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi will be acquitted,” he said.
Aleema Khan, speaking to the media separately, reinforced Gohar's stance on talks, stating, “The PTI founder has categorically denied any talks through backdoor channels. Only the negotiation committee is authorised to conduct negotiations.”
She claimed that her brother Imran Khan's primary demands include:
- The formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024.
- The release of innocent individuals arrested during these incidents through judicial processes rather than apology letters.