Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and member of the party’s negotiation committee, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, has expressed optimism about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release from jail, stating, “The time for us to smile more is here. Imran Khan will walk out without a signed bond.”
Speaking to the media, Raza assured that Imran Khan would soon secure his release through constitutional and legal means, adding, “The situation of the past two-and-a-half years is about to change. The signs are clear: Imran Khan will be free soon.” He also noted that Khan had vowed not to leave jail until the release of PTI leadership and workers.
Raza revealed that prior to their meeting with Imran Khan, his wife, Bushra Bibi, and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur had already met with him. During their interaction, Khan firmly stated, “I am not going anywhere. Fulfill the demands, and then I will consider the matter.”
Key Points from Negotiations
- Meeting Demands: PTI’s demands were presented in the negotiation meeting, where they were carefully considered. The initial joint statement referred to Khan as the “founding chairman,” but PTI insisted on specifically naming Imran Khan.
- Open Meetings Demand: PTI also requested open meetings with Khan, but Raza complained about stringent security measures, saying, “Even rings are confiscated, sniffed, scanned, and retained before allowing a meeting.”
- Political Stability as a Priority: Raza emphasized the need for political stability, stating, “We cannot progress without it.” He added that the government had not presented any demands during the talks.
Deadline for Negotiations
PTI has set January 31 as the deadline to finalize the negotiation process. “If the issues remain unresolved by January 29, we will march toward Islamabad,” Raza warned, noting that both sides appear weary of the prolonged political impasse.
He also addressed past international interference in Pakistan’s politics, stating, “Khan does not want external meddling, as seen under the Biden administration. His fight will remain within the legal framework of Pakistan.”
The negotiation process is ongoing, with meetings taking place regularly. Both sides have refrained from escalating tensions, hoping for a resolution that ensures political stability in the country.
