ISLAMABAD: Despite stating categorically that the time for talks with the government is over, it seems the opposition Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan is still keeping its options open about the upcoming long march to Islamabad on the country’s independence day.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has managed to engage Khan and the two parties have been in constant contact, discussing various alternatives to the August 14 agitation seeking radical electoral reforms.
Sources in both parties here confirmed yesterday that in a major development Interior Minister Nisar Ali has met Khan at the latter’s residence and requested him to postpone the planned march.
The sources said Ali arrived at Khan’s residence in his private vehicle without any protocol and remained there for some time.
However, both parties are not willing to officially confirm the meeting, but statements issued by both sides acknowledge that they have been in contact for several days now.
“I am not aware of a meeting on Thursday, but I know that Ali has met Khan in recent days,” said Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, adding that PML-N will continue efforts to bring both Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri to the negotiation table, ‘which is the democratic way to resolve political disputes.’
INTERNEWS
