Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan has said that the government has no mandate to hold negotiations.
Speaking exclusively with Samaa TV, he said that Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai has not been given any big task. He is the chairman of our movement.
The PTI leader said that Achakzai has the authority to establish contacts with the government.
Omar Ayub went on to say that neither the government is serious in holding talks, nor do they have the mandate.
“Torture and arrests of the PTI members shows that the government is not serious about dialogue,” the opposition leader added.
On Wednesday, the PTI Founder and former prime minister Imran Khan announced a conditional apology for the events of May 9.
speaking to the media after a hearing of the £190 million reference in Adiala Jail, Imran Khan stressed the need for a thorough investigation through the release of CCTV footage.
Khan stated that if the footage identifies any PTI members involved in the incidents, he will take strict action against them, including expulsion from the party and appropriate punishment. He remarked, "The CCTV footages of May 9 should be brought first. I will expel them from the party and punish them."
Referring to the military's role, Khan drew a parallel with the 1971 Bangladesh conflict. He said, "The army in Bangladesh supported its people by refusing to fire on the people," implying that the military should prioritise the welfare of its citizens.
Khan deems it 'foolish' to ignore good ties with army
On August 4, in an interview with British media outlet Reuters, Imran Khan stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with the military, asserting that it would be “foolish” not to.
In a written response to questions at Adiala Jail - where he marked one year of his imprisonment on August 5 - Mr Khan reiterated his belief that strengthening ties with the military is essential.
He highlighted the importance of this relationship given Pakistan's geopolitical position and the military's significant role in the country's private sector.
The PTI founder expressed no personal grievances against the United States, although he maintains that the US played a role in his ousting through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
“Given Pakistan’s strategic position and the significant role of the military, promoting better relations is not just wise but necessary,” Khan stated.
