ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has categorically denied reports suggesting that its jailed founding chairman, Imran Khan, has accepted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to begin political negotiations.
PTI’s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that although a telephonic conversation did occur between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, it was strictly related to the ongoing tensions with India, not politics.
“I personally confirmed with Mr Gohar, and he stated that no negotiation offer was made or conveyed to Imran Khan,” Akram told Dawn.
Several media outlets had reported that Imran Khan had not only accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation for talks but had also directed Gohar Ali Khan to proceed discreetly. However, Gohar dismissed these claims, stating, “No deal has been made with anyone regarding Imran Khan’s case.”
Party insiders said previous attempts to engage in dialogue with the government and other political players failed due to media speculation. “No such offer is on the table at present,” a PTI official added.
The meeting between Imran Khan and Gohar, sources revealed, included other individuals such as Salman Safdar and Zaheer Abbas, making any private conversation about negotiations unlikely.
Speaking to journalists, Gohar emphasized that while he welcomes the idea of dialogue, any formal response to the Prime Minister’s offer would come after consultation with Khan and the party. He reiterated Imran Khan’s unwavering stance: “He will never strike a deal nor bow down.”
