No talks underway with govt for Imran Khan’s release, says Saif

ABBOTTABAD: Advisor to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif on Saturday said that there were no formal negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the release of Imran Khan.

Speaking at the meet-the-press programme at Abbottabad Press Club and earlier at a seminar on World Thalassemia Day, he said that PTI had stood firmly with the Pakistan Army, nation and government against Indian aggression.

Dr Saif criticised the government for showing political arrogance after this significant achievement and described the cases against Imran Khan as baseless. He said that the government’s actions, including imprisonment, cannot break the spirit of Imran Khan and that PTI’s popularity continues to grow despite these measures. He urged the government to release Imran Khan and engage in fair political competition, stating that the incumbent rulers lacked legal and constitutional legitimacy and were illegitimately in power with no authority to make decisions.

He acknowledged that some elements were trying to resolve the situation but warned that political instability posed threats to national security alongside economic challenges.

tours and training workshops.

He accused the government of turning Islamabad into a “city of containers” following PTI’s protests and targeting peaceful workers with violence instead of competing politically.

He also highlighted violence against journalists in Punjab and restrictions on freedom of speech.

Imran Khan has announced plans for further protest strategies. Dr Saif stressed that internal party differences should not be aired publicly, noting that issues such as the complaint against Azam Swati were resolved through internal committees.