Imran Khan allows Barrister Gohar, Gandapur to hold talks with establishment 

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has allowed party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to hold talks with the establishment.

Talking to the media after a meeting with Imran Khan, his sister Aleema Khan described their meeting pivotal, particularly in light of the upcoming November 24 protest rally in Islamabad.

“Imran Khan emphasized that he has only given two calls — one on February 8 and now on November 24. This time, it’s about reclaiming the theft vote,” Aleema said, quoting her brother. 

According to Aleema, the PTI founder criticised what he called the theft of votes and violations of the constitution, linking these actions to the erosion of ideological politics.

He highlighted February 8 as a key moment in PTI’s history, comparing it to Pakistan’s last ideological election in 1970. “Our freedom, tickets, and party symbol were snatched from us on that day,” Khan reportedly said, describing the polling process as unparalleled in its irregularities. 

“If the talks with the establishment bear fruit, November 24 would be marked as a day of celebration,” she said. 

Aleema relayed Khan’s message that “ideological struggles are never quick to conclude.” She said he remained committed to pursuing his vision through peaceful means, and urged supporters to stand firm for their rights on November 24 without resorting to violence. 

During the meeting, Aleema said Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar Khan sought Khan’s approval to start negotiation with the establishment. She said Khan agreed to hold talks with three conditions that unjustly detained PTI members should be released, PTI should be recognized as a legitimate political party and constitutional principles should be upheld.

Aleema Khan said that the PTI chairman specifically mentioned the plight of senior PTI members, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Umar Cheema and demanded their release. Aleema praised Yasmin Rashid for her resilience, noting her refusal to compromise despite facing immense pressure. 

Talking about recent defections, Aleema acknowledged that many “electables” had left the party. She expressed hope that Khan’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case, scheduled for Wednesday, would be granted, allowing him to personally lead the November 24 protest. If not, she said, the party would mobilise in his absence. 

Aleema also urged PTI supporters to gather in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of the protest.