PTI “open” to talks but firm on protest as government prepares

ISLAMABAD: Leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gathered at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House to strategise for the upcoming protest set for November 24.

The meeting included key figures, including the PTI chairman Barrister Gohar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur.

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

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JI) member, Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, commented on PTI’s constitutional right to protest. He stated that while the party was entitled to protest, there were ‘concerns’ about May 9 event repeating itself.

The JI leader hinted at PTI having played a role in the incident.

In the press briefing, the JI member revealed that the PTI reached out to his party, a move he questioned when the former seemed determined to demonstrate anyway.

Haidari also criticised Ali Amin Gandapur as “irresponsible” for ‘inciting’ violence.  

PTI’s Central Information Secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, clarified that the KP CM did not seek authorisation for negotiations.

During a press conference in Peshawar, Akram stated that Gandapur had asked the PTI founder how to proceed if the government initiated contact for talks.

The former prime minister reportedly assented that his party was “open” to discussions. However, they should align with the party’s three primary demands.

Akram also noted that the government was preparing for the November 24 protest with expectations of stringent measures. Troops would be deployed as well in the twin cities – Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The PTI secretary voiced concerns for such extreme action, remarking that the federal government might cancel student admissions just for participating in protests.

Waqas Akram labeled such steps as intimidation measures by the government, while optimistically stating that the public would still rally for their rights regardless.  

He also addressed news circulating about internal discord within the PTI. He said that Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was not involved in political matters.

Read more: ‘Leave PTI if can’t attend November 24 protest,’ Imran tells party leaders

The PTI secretary denied any factionalism within the party. He also addressed rumours of contact between the government and PTI, labeling them as ‘unfounded’.

However, Waqas Akram did state his party was open to negotiations.