ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the incarcerated former prime minister of Pakistan has given his approval for dialogue with the government and is “ready to forgive” what has happened to him in this respect, said his party chairman, Gohar Khan on Tuesday. “Dialogue is necessary because distances are growing between us,” we reminded the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi were told by Gohar about this. According to Gohar, Khan who is 71 years old wants ways of dialogue to be opened. He told journalists that Khan was “ready to forgive what has happened to him for reconciliation.”
“PTI founder has often said ‘ I am ready to forgive what happened to me’,” Geo TV quotes Gohar.
He was arrested last year ten months ago being sent to Adiala Jail which houses prisoners considered dangerous like him involving series of cases some which he has already been convicted.
When asked whether the Supreme Court’s advice would lead to negotiations or not, Gohar stated that “the option given by apex court is also under consideration.”
However, it emphasized that PTI’s negotiation is its ‘own decision.’
“PTI founder did not write any letter to the SC for negotiation. PTI will also respond its negotiation option.”
Gohar added that after talking with Mahmood Khan Achakzai Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief they will commence their negotiations.
There is an alliance with Achakzai and other parties in my party; we will take them into confidence as well,” he said.
“There can be talks at alliance level too. PTI can also begin itself,” said their leader highlighting that there was no choice but negotiating.
“We have never refused negotiations. The ice is breaking.We want things better,” insisted Gohar saying it should not be construed as a deal.
According to sources, days after Khan decided to step back from his rigid stance and told his party leaders to establish contacts both inside and outside the Parliament for easing ongoing political tension, said Geo News citing its sources.
The sources said that the party’s leadership was directed to hold talks with various political parties outside the Parliament, while its lawmakers were also asked to enhance relations with parties in the ruling coalition government.
Gohar said that today the party’s founder met lawyers and apprised them of being kept away from talking to his sons.
Khan’s decision came after his interaction with Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa when he appeared for a hearing before the Supreme Court.
During the hearing pertaining to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law amendments, CJP Isa suggested that Khan go to Parliament “as country needs forward movement”.
Sources have confirmed that former Prime Minister has empowered a three-member committee of PTI to reach out to establishment.
Last week Khan had stated that dialogue will only be held with those who really run this country.
Khan said that when a journalist pointed out that he had also been called upon by the Supreme Court to speak to other political parties, he refused to negotiate with Shaukat Aziz (prime minister) during Musharraf’s era. He said, ‘’I only spoke to one of Musharraf’s representatives,’’.
According to Khan, his party conversed with other political parties concerning election matters at Umar Ata Bandial’s behest. He claimed that 90 days were the time frame for holding elections; as a result, he suggested that Bandial was overwhelmed and thus could not impose them on schedule.
