PTI founder not seeking relief for himself, clarifies Shibli Faraz

PTI leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, on Saturday strongly denied the "false narrative" that imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan was seeking personal relief in his discussions with the PML-N-led coalition government.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Omar Ayub Khan and former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, Faraz emphasized that "PTI's founder remains steadfast in his principled stance and is enduring his prison sentence for the people’s cause."

Imran Khan, 71, has been incarcerated since August of the previous year after being sentenced in the Toshakhana case, one of several legal challenges he has faced since his removal from office in April 2022.

The PTI and the coalition government recently held discussions to ease the ongoing political tensions. Negotiating teams from both sides met this week in a positive atmosphere and agreed to continue their dialogue. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who chaired the meeting, announced that the next session would take place on January 2, with PTI expected to present a list of demands.

Faraz, however, rejected claims by the ruling coalition that Imran Khan was seeking relief for himself. He clarified that the focus of the negotiations would be on the release of "all political prisoners."

Contrary to Faraz’s assertion, Qaiser had previously revealed that three key points had been raised in the negotiations: ending lawlessness in the country, releasing Imran Khan and other political prisoners, and conducting a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26.

Faraz also reaffirmed that PTI is a "peaceful" political party, committed to fighting for its rights within the boundaries of the Constitution and the law. He added that despite the numerous legal cases against PTI leaders, they were determined to pursue justice in court.

He highlighted that their struggle included both legal efforts and "peaceful protest."

Faraz further accused the current government of acting at the behest of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asserting that they were indifferent to the people’s needs. In September, the IMF had approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, with the government required to meet specific financial targets under the agreement.

"We reject fascist ideas and undemocratic thinking," Faraz stated, adding that the coalition government would bear responsibility if negotiations between the ruling alliance and PTI broke down.

Omar Ayub, for his part, expressed concern over the ongoing uncertainty in the country, stressing that economic recovery and political stability are closely linked. He also raised issues regarding the smuggling of petrol and diesel into the country.