Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Movement Against Government, Signals Willingness for Dialogue
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has urged party leaders and supporters to prepare for a "major nationwide movement" aimed at unseating the current coalition government, his sister Aleema Khan said on Monday.
Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Central Jail, Aleema conveyed that Khan emphasized the movement would not be limited to Islamabad but would unfold across the country. However, she did not provide a specific date for its launch.
“Imran Khan shared three key messages today,” Aleema stated:
- He is not being granted the basic rights typically afforded to ordinary prisoners.
- Over the past eight months, he has only been allowed to speak to his children once.
- The jail authorities have consistently denied him meetings with his sisters and have blocked books sent to him.
The 71-year-old former prime minister has been imprisoned since August 2023, facing multiple legal cases ranging from corruption to terrorism. He was ousted from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote.
Aleema also highlighted concerns about her brother’s health, noting that he is not being permitted to see his personal physician.
Quoting Khan, she said he expressed frustration with party members who act opportunistically: “There is no room in PTI for those who play on both sides of the wicket.” She added, “Even if I remain in jail for life, I will not bow down.”
Despite the call for mobilization, PTI is reportedly making behind-the-scenes efforts to restart negotiations with the government. According to The News, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Barrister Saif are actively involved in these discussions, which had previously stalled due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.
However, PTI's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, told Geo News that while formal talks are not currently underway, efforts for Imran Khan’s release continue. Saif met with Khan at Adiala Jail last week, during which the PTI founder reportedly gave him important instructions regarding engagement with the government.
In a significant political shift, Khan has agreed to initiate dialogue with the ruling coalition, following a recent invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The former prime minister has insisted, however, that any talks be held away from media scrutiny to ensure productive outcomes.
This development came after PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to PTI for a national dialogue during a speech in the National Assembly.