Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Junaid Akbar said on Tuesday that his party was ready to engage only in 'meaningful and empowered' negotiations with the government.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Junaid Akbar Khan said negotiations were not possible with a government that lacked authority, but added that the party remained ready for meaningful talks with decision-making power. He said that if the same attitude continued, political reconciliation would no longer remain possible.
He said the party was not making any unlawful demands, adding that the meetings were their right under a high court ruling, and that failure to implement the decision was affecting the credibility of the courts. He said the party founder received punishment not on legal grounds but for political reasons.
Akbar maintained talks were mentioned, yet permission for meetings was not granted. He said the government would have to provide political space and end the filing of FIRs and arrests. He said the harsh treatment of peaceful workers and the party leadership was unacceptable.
He added that meetings were not being allowed even with Khan’s family and sisters. He said public anger was increasing over inhuman treatment of political prisoners. He said bans on tweets and videos were not a solution.
He said the party wanted strong institutions with public support behind them, and said the country could not move forward by repeating past mistakes.
