Swati reveals Imran directed him to contact Gen Asim

MANSEHRA: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Khan Swati revealed on Sunday PTI founder Imran Khan had directed him 2022 to contact Gen Asim Munir and open a channel for dialogue.

In a video message, Swati said he involved a few people, including a TV anchor, in his bid to initiate dialogue, but “the doors didn’t open.”

“I am still making every possible effort to bring Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan to the negotiation table, as the former is key to peace and to eliminating militancy and terrorism from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he said while holding the Holy Quran in his hands in the video message.

Swati took an oath on the Holy Quran to reaffirm his loyalty to the party’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, and denied being released from jail as a result of any deal with the establishment.

Swati, who condemned what he termed the unprofessional behavior of certain social media bloggers for spreading biased and speculative content, said Imran Khan was willing to reconcile with the army chief in the larger national interest.

“Both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, understand the importance of resolving issues through dialogue. That’s why the former premier believes that if the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah could be signed, then their issues too can be resolved peacefully,” he said.

The former PTI senator, who returned to the media spotlight after accusing lawmakers from Mansehra of corruption following his release from Adiala jail, said he had earlier attempted to bring the army chief to the negotiation table through then-president Dr Arif Alvi and one of his teachers.

Swati emphasized that he had made both personal and financial sacrifices for Imran Khan and for the betterment of the country.

His statement came amid speculation surrounding his release, with critics suggesting it was the result of a behind-the-scenes deal. However, Swati vehemently denied such claims, asserting his unwavering loyalty to the PTI leadership. “I have no links with any intelligence agencies or other institutions, and I had even convinced Imran Khan to cancel the public rally scheduled for August 22, 2024, as the country was at risk of plunging into chaos due to a religious movement at the time,” he said.

He added that key party leaders, including Umar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, had approached him to meet Imran Khan and help persuade him to postpone the planned rally.

“I urge everyone to play their part in securing the release of Imran Khan, as it could pave the way for ending militancy and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” Swati said.