Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has questioned the logic behind a possible meeting of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif with the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, commenting on the rumours circulating on social and conventional media.
"Why would Nawaz Sharif go to meet the PTI? Explain the logic," Asif asked during an appearance on a private TV channel, recalling a previous instance when Nawaz Sharif visited Bani Gala and "the PTI founder asked for Rs4 million".
"Let’s hope no demands are made this time," he remarked sarcastically.
Commenting on the broader political landscape, the veteran PML-N leader said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rejoining the federal government is “not out of the question,” especially as previous coalition setups under PDM had been “tested.” Asif suggested that reviving such an alliance could once again be in the "best interest of the country."
Also Read: Reports of Nawaz Sharif meeting Imran Khan are just rumours: Dar
The defence minister also hinted at a possible toppling of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, as he alleged that there was a combination of "elected and unelected" individuals in the province creating an unstable environment. "The PTI is putting on a show," he said, adding that conflicting statements from the PTI founder's sisters and party leaders indicate a disjointed strategy.
Using a metaphor to describe the confusion within the PTI, Asif said: “This is like mutanjan (sweet rice) — there’s coloured rice, plain rice — who is who? I don’t understand.”
Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also dismissed the rumours of a possible meeting between Nawaz Sharif and PTI Founder Imran Khan. Dar said, “The news of Nawaz Sharif meeting the PTI founder is just a rumour. This may be someone's wish, but not reality.”
Also Read: Rana shrugs off reports about Nawaz's meeting with Imran
He was attending the 982nd annual bathing (ghusl) ceremony of the shrine of Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hajveri, famously known as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), in Lahore as a special guest.
PTI dismisses reports
A day ago, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had dismissed media reports suggesting that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was seeking a meeting with the jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan, saying the party would only respond to an official statement from Nawaz or the PML-N leadership.
PTI sources clarified that no formal proposal had been received and any decision to meet Nawaz Sharif would ultimately be made by the founding chairman himself. "The matter will be brought to his attention in the next meeting," party insiders said.
Also Read: Nawaz Sharif's meeting with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail: PTI, PML-N respond
The PTI leadership expressed scepticism about reconciliation efforts from the ruling party, particularly in light of alleged "horse trading" and manipulation of reserved seats. Party sources stated that genuine political dialogue cannot coexist with tactics aimed at eliminating opposition representation.
“If the government is serious about reconciliation, it must first change the ground realities,” a PTI source said.
PML-N clarifies Nawaz Sharif's position
Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Advisor Rana Sanaullah, in an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, rejected speculation that Nawaz Sharif would visit Adiala Jail or Bani Gala for a political meeting.
“Nawaz Sharif has a clear stance — all political parties should be engaged in talks, but he is neither going to Adiala nor Bani Gala to convince anyone,” Rana Sanaullah said.
He emphasized Nawaz Sharif’s long-standing commitment to strengthening democracy, adding that the former premier has made immense sacrifices for its cause.
PTI’s Salman Akram Raja terms reports as rumours
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja also denied reports of an imminent meeting between Nawaz Sharif and the PTI founder, calling the speculation "just rumours".
Later in the same day, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah shrugged off reports about Nawaz Sharif's possible meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.
Speaking on Samaa TV programme 'Mere Sawal with Absar Alam', Sanaullah had said: "It is inappropriate to claim that Nawaz Sharif will go to jail and meet Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif is a senior politician and such statements are disrespectful."
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