Pakistan jailed ex-PM Imran ‘accepts’ judges’ idea of talking to political rivals

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who has repeatedly declared that he wouldn’t negotiate with anyone but the security establishment, appears to be having a change of heart - thanks to the Supreme Court judges who recently advised him to engage in dialogue with his political rivals.

“Imran is planning to write a letter to the Supreme Court to tell the judges that he is amenable to their suggestion,” PTI officials said.

He has already drafted the letter which also addresses the economic woes and political instability blighting the country.

The letter, according to party officials, states that the former prime minister is open to dialogue with any party capable of resolving economic and political crises.

The letter also calls for a fair trial in political cases, the return of the electoral mandate to the legitimately victorious party, and an impartial judicial inquiry into the events of May 9.

The PTI’s legal committee will fine-tune the points in the former prime minister’s letter, ensuring it addresses the political and economic challenges facing the nation. The letter will also demand fair trials for PTI leaders and workers, alongside calls for electoral justice.

Last week, the Supreme Court judges, particularly Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, advised Imran to engage in dialogue with parliamentarians.

“Sit down with members of parliament; they are not your enemies. Go and talk to them,” he told Imran, who attended the apex court proceedings in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law amendment case via a video link from Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.

The top judge said that politicians should resolve their issues politically instead of dragging their squabbles into court.

Imran, however, insisted that politicians were power-less and that he would only negotiate with those wielding “real power” - a reference to the security establishment. Now, this new development shows that he is willing to budge on his stance vis-à-vis political dialogue.

Meanwhile,  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday said that he would perform his duties according to law and constitution, adding, “One thing is very much clear. There won’t be any NRO for the PTI.”

The statement about NRO comes with reference to Imran Khan who is in prison following his sentencing in multiple cases and booking in many others as well as his party’s involvement in May 9 events.

Earlier on Monday, it was reported that Imran, who is known for his aggressive approach as reflected by the May 9 violence and the stance taken afterwards, may write a letter to the Supreme Court which should, according to him, convey his desire for talks to the relevant circles. But Kundi told reporters on Tuesday that the PTI wasn’t even a political party and holding talks with the grouping would be a wastage of time.

Blasting the provincial government over rise in terrrorism and poor performance, he warned that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was losing control of the province and mentioned that not a single meeting of the [Provincial] Apex Committee had so far been convened.

“One could only laugh at the statements issued by Gandapur,” the governor remarked and said that he didn’t think Gandapur could attack Islamabad.

Responding to various questions, he was commenting on the repeated threats hurled by Gandapur that he would lead a march towards the federal capital if their demands are not met.