• Gohar says talk of deal baseless, has no links with ground reality.
• PTI chair slams Talal for irresponsible statement about terrorists.
• Akram says PTI to support BNP-M’s long march against BYC arrests.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has dismissed speculations about a deal with the establishment, clarifying that the party had simply reestablished contacts.

Speaking to Geo News on Friday, he said, “Only contacts were restored with the establishment; no negotiations took place; only contacts were restored before November 24.” He said final negotiations with the establishment had not even begun, and that the talk of a deal was baseless having no connection with ground reality.

Gohar explained that it was on record that the Taliban resettlement decisions were made after July 2022 when (minister) Talal Chaudhry made an irresponsible statement that terrorists did not target the PTI. 

He said Talal’s statement about the return of the Taliban was contrary to facts. “Pakistan is in the grip of terrorism; this is not the time to make allegations. Instead of such statements, the government should focus on stopping terrorism,” Gohar said. “We condemn terrorism in Pakistan. We strongly condemn targeting any Pakistani citizen,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary Waqas Akram announced that the party would support the long march announced by the Balochistan National Party Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal against the detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders. statement, he said BNP-M supported the demand for the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to hold those involved in extra-constitutional actions accountable.

Acknowledging that the people of Balochistan had been demanding their due human, economic and political rights for decades, he said the PTI condemned enforced disappearances and the torture and killing of unarmed protesters.

He said the PTI was the largest political party in Pakistan that stood for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan.

“The PTI stands against the denial of basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution anywhere in Pakistan, in particular given the tragic events of the last few weeks since the reprehensible attack on Jaffar Express,” he contended.

Waqas vowed that his party supported the demand that such extra-constitutional actions must be terminated and those responsible be held accountable through a truth and reconciliation commission.