ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan said that negotiations with government will only go forward if they are willing to dissolve National Assembly and hold elections forthwith. PTI Chief made these remarks as he spoke informally with journalists ahead of his hearing at Islamabad High Court (HC) where he was seeking protective bail in sedition case. “If they bring up holding elections in September or October again, then there is no need for negotiations,” he said, maintaining that now “Ball is in government’s court”. “If they want to hold elections on same date, then they should,” said Imran as he urged government heed to PTI’s demand for dissolving assembly.

Imran also denied his party’s involvement in any attempts to sabotage talks saying “There was no such statement from our side”. When asked by journalist if there was chance PTI might return to national and provincial assemblies and end their boycott, Imran retorted if there even was Constitution in place.

“They want to break Constitution but we stand by it,” he continued, “We are standing by rule of law and they are committing contempt of court”. Imran stressed, “If elections are not held on May 14, then it would be breach of Constitution”, fearing that if that were to happen then “Whoever is powerful will have their way”. He censured former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa for having “Imposed band of thieves” on country. He spoke of controversy initiated after journalist made revelations concerning Gen Bajwa’s off-record claims of Pakistan’s unpreparedness in combat. “I know more things than that but this is national security issue,” said Imran. “I don’t want any international news to be made that would harm country,” he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 29 2023

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