Defence Minister Khwaja Asif says that he is not in favor of initiating a dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI).
During a key advisory meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Khwaja Asif made his position clear. The meeting was held under the leadership of PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif at the party secretariat in Model Town, Lahore.
Responding to media queries after the meeting, Asif stated, “I am not in favor of talks with PTI.” He also stated that he is not part of any group responsible for negotiating with PTI through Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Recent reports suggest that PMLN had been trying to engage with PTI in a dialogue indirectly through Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The party leadership reportedly assigned Rana Sanaullah for the task to engage Mahmood Khan Achakzai to initiate a dialogue with PTI.
Rana Sanaullah is the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs. Achakzai, representing PkMAP, was elected in April as head of an alliance—the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain—also comprising the PTI, the SIC, the MWM, and the BNP-M. The PTI had later announced expanding the alliance to include all opposition parties.
Read more: Change in jail staff, rats in Bushra Bibi’s cell: Imran Khan details jail conditions
Khawaja Asif has categorically distanced himself from any efforts to engage with Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf. PTI and PMLN are strong opponents in Punjab as well as in federal.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan claimed on Monday that there had been two attempts on his life in the past, and described the conditions in his jail cell as being like an oven, though he insisted he did not seek any personal relief.
Speaking to reporters during a hearing of the £190 million case at Adiala Jail, Imran mentioned that his staff at the jail had been changed for the fourth time, including the person responsible for testing his food. He also raised concerns about a rat problem in his wife Bushra Bibi’s cell.