The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has dismissed media reports suggesting that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif is seeking a meeting with the jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan, saying the party will only respond to an official statement from Nawaz or the PML-N leadership.
PTI sources clarified that no formal proposal has been received and any decision to meet Nawaz Sharif will ultimately be made by the founding chairman himself. "The matter will be brought to his attention in the next meeting," party insiders said.
The PTI leadership expressed skepticism about reconciliation efforts from the ruling party, particularly in light of alleged "horse trading" and manipulation of reserved seats. Party sources stated that genuine political dialogue cannot coexist with tactics aimed at eliminating opposition representation.
“If the government is serious about reconciliation, it must first change the ground realities,” a PTI source said.
Govt stresses dialogue, goodwill
On the other hand, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a gesture of goodwill during the recent budget session by walking over to the opposition benches and shaking hands with PTI leaders Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser.
“The prime minister made it clear that we need to talk,” said Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. “Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N leadership have always supported political understanding.”
He added that the government is ready for dialogue, but the opposition must abandon the "politics of chaos" and cooperate for national progress.
When asked by a journalist whether Nawaz Sharif could manage to get the "door to Adiala Jail open", referring to the release of the incarcerated PTI leaders, the minister responded affirmatively: “Yes, of course. Nawaz Sharif can open the door of Adiala Jail.”
PML-N clarifies Nawaz Sharif's position
Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Advisor Rana Sanaullah, in an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, rejected speculation that Nawaz Sharif would visit Adiala Jail or Bani Gala for a political meeting.
“Nawaz Sharif has a clear stance — all political parties should be engaged in talks, but he is neither going to Adiala nor Bani Gala to convince anyone,” Rana Sanaullah said.
He emphasized Nawaz Sharif’s long-standing commitment to strengthening democracy, adding that the former premier has made immense sacrifices for its cause.
PTI’s Salman Akram Raja terms reports as rumours
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja also denied reports of an imminent meeting between Nawaz Sharif and the PTI founder, calling the speculation "just rumours".
“Nothing concrete has emerged. If Nawaz Sharif truly supports a return to the constitutional path, then such a meeting would be welcome — but as of now, he does not have the political capacity to take this step,” Raja said.
