Imran ready for ‘give and take’ for sake of Pakistan: Zafar

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder chairman Imran Khan is prepared for a “give-and-take” with the establishment for the betterment of Pakistan and is ready for negotiations at any time to foster national unity, Senator Barrister Ali Zafar announced on Thursday. Zafar’s comments came after a meeting with Imran at the Adiala jail.

The statement was aimed at clarifying an earlier statement by Aleema Khan, the PTI founder’s sister, who suggested that Khan was not seeking any deal for his release.

Speaking to the media outside the Adiala jail following a hearing in the GHQ attack case, Barrister Zafar said the former prime minister emphasized that his doors were open for dialogue.

“The PTI founder said he was not asking for concessions for himself for if he had to ask for concessions, he would have done so much earlier,” Zafar explained, adding that Khan’s willingness for “give-and-take” was solely “for the sake of the country”.

Zafar also disclosed that Khan had directed the party leadership to gear up for a protest movement, with a comprehensive plan of action to be unveiled within next five to six days.

The PTI chairman reportedly issued a stern message, stating that he “will not tolerate it if anyone does not come forward now, and he will not allow anyone to play on both sides of the wicket,” underscoring a demand for clear commitment.

Reiterating Khan’s position, Senator Zafar said the PTI founder’s primary demand was for “justice and for the cases to be heard soon.”

Mumtaz Alvi adds: Meanwhile, Aleema Khan said Imran Khan ‘disclosed’ to her on Thursday that he was asked two years back to remain silent for three years and let the ‘mandate thief’ government run.

Talking to the media outside the Adiala jail along with her two sisters and party lawyers and workers, she said Imran emphasized that he would not bow down for even three minutes.

According to Aleema Khan, the party founder was asked to apologize for the May 9 violence but he replied that those who committed the violence should apologize.

About her recent statement that what the founder should give up for his release, she said her brother was being asked to back down from taking position for the rule of law.

She said Imran maintained that the 26th Amendment was made to cover up rigging in the February 8 elections.

Aleema said the party founder had a message for the leaders and workers that now was the time to stand strong and that those who could not bear the pressure should separate; there is no problem, new people should come forward who can tolerate the burden.

She said jail authorities were not taking the court orders into account and that they were not allowed to meet. She pointed out that the party lawyer Naeem Panjhotha went inside and brought the details.

She said when people asked them as to when Imran Khan would be released, she said when the judges took up cases against him and gave judgments independently, he would be released.

Aleema feared that the PMLN and PPP might get the reserved seats for which both were making efforts.