No more talks with establishment: Imran

ISLAMABAD: PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan Tuesday closed his doors to talks with all the parties, including establishment, signaling a hardened stance amidst the ongoing political turmoil.

Speaking to the media at the Adiala jail after attending the Toshakhana-II case hearing, he disclosed that six party leaders were previously permitted to talk with the establishment.

Imran emphasized he had never prohibited anyone from holding talks. He said the establishment had deceived them, and he was closing the doors to negotiations with all the parties.

“We have been cheated,” the PTI founder said, expressing frustration over the current political climate. He also confirmed that the party will proceed with its Lahore rally scheduled for September 21, regardless of permission or restrictions by the government.

Imran strongly supported Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saying he had expressed the sentiments of the nation. “I stand with Ali Amin Gandapur,” Imran insisted, dismissing those who sought to distance themselves from Gandapur’s remarks as “cowards”.

“They should not be with us; they should leave the party,” the former premier said, referring to those apologizing for Gandapur’s statements. He singled out Faisal Vawda, terming him “just a mouthpiece”.

The PTI founder also reiterated his demand for an open trial in the Arshad Sharif murder case, calling for transparency and justice.

Meanwhile, Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the Special Accountability Court adjourned the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust reference related to the £190 million financial scandal involving Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi due to the absence of accused’s lawyers on Tuesday.