ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday claimed that a proposed meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issue of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan did not materialise, despite initial signals from government circles.
Speaking on ARY News programme The Reporters, Fawad said informal contacts had been made with people close to the government who were keen to lower political tensions. He added that the matter of Imran Khan’s incarceration carries both political and non-political aspects, and the government has so far failed to effectively counter his narrative.
Fawad said communication channels exist with both the government and PTI’s senior leadership, but meaningful dialogue can only begin once a supportive environment is created. He pointed out that leaders who have the real capacity to negotiate are currently imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail, limiting progress.
He remarked that figures such as Salman Akram Raja and Barrister Gohar do not have direct coordination with Imran Khan, nor do they have the authority to move talks forward on his behalf.
According to Fawad, any breakthrough would require flexibility from both sides, saying progress is possible only if “the government takes one step forward and Imran Khan takes one step back.”
Highlighting the economic impact of political uncertainty, he said overseas Pakistanis have indicated they could invest up to one million dollars within six months if the political climate improves.
However, he stressed that dialogue cannot succeed unless all key stakeholders the establishment, the government, and Imran Khan are willing to engage sincerely.
Fawad also suggested that releasing PTI leaders held in Kot Lakhpat Jail could help open space for negotiations. He named Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Ejaz Chaudhry, Umar Cheema, Yasmin Rashid and Mahmood Rasheed as figures whose release could ease the path to talks.
Reflecting on past developments, Fawad said former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and the government had announced election timelines on three occasions, but elections never took place. This, he claimed, led Imran Khan to believe he was being misled.
He further alleged that the core dispute between Bajwa and Imran Khan revolved around political popularity and future extensions.
Admitting past misjudgments, Fawad said cutting off communication channels on Imran Khan’s instructions was a major mistake, adding that even Faisal Vawda had repeatedly warned against ending contacts.
