PTI’s Information Secretary Raoof Hassan on Sunday asserted that the PTI is open to a dialogue with the establishment instead of the ruling party in the government. He hoped that the deadlock between the establishment and PTI would soon end and conflict will be resolved.
His statements came a day after PMLN’s leader Nawaz Sharif called for across-the-board dialogue including with PTI, the major opposition party. PTI ruled out negotiations with PMLN and instead favored for the talks with establishment for the sake of the state.
Raoof Hasan said that the path forward lies in dialogue between PTI and the establishment alleging that the government holds no power. He said that the talks would be held within the ambit of the Constitution. Instability will end, once all institutions start working within the limits of the Constitution, he said.
In response to a question regarding CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur’s contact with the establishment, he said that some party leaders might have some ‘personal’ contact with the establishment.
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He added that Imran Khan had made a formal committee to conduct dialogue with the establishment. If there is any initiative they will take that forward.
Hassan, however, said that the postponement of the August 22nd rally does indicate communication happened between Imran Khan and the establishment.
In response to a question regarding the talks with the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PTI spokesperson questioned the legitimacy of the current government about form 47, saying talking to the government would not serve any purpose as the incumbent rulers came to power through rigging in the Feb 8 elections.
He also mentioned that the government was desperate to extend the stay of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Esa and that’s why they were adamant about bringing judicial reforms.