NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: A delegation from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), headed by party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, held a detailed meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Friday, seeking his assistance in facilitating a meeting with the party’s incarcerated founder.
Prominent PTI figures; including Asad Qaiser, Latif Khosa, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Amjad Ali Khan and Shahram Tarakai; were also present during the discussion, which took place inside the Speaker’s chamber.
The visiting delegation complained that neither family members nor senior PTI leaders had been granted access to the party founder, creating internal tension and deep concern. Barrister Gohar appealed directly to the Speaker, remarking:
“You are a seasoned statesman, and you have supported us in the past. We request that you once again use your position to make this meeting possible.”
PTI members stressed that the ongoing restrictions have fostered resentment among supporters and urged the Speaker to step in as a neutral facilitator.
In response, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq urged PTI to fully restore its role within parliamentary structures, especially in standing committees where practical legislative activity takes place.
“The PTI should contribute actively to the parliament,” he said, reiterating that meaningful dialogue and institutional participation were the only viable paths toward resolving political grievances.
He emphasized that he has consistently advocated for negotiations:
“I keep telling you; come to the table. Only dialogue can resolve these issues.”
Ayaz Sadiq expressed irritation over what he viewed as PTI’s unwillingness to engage with the government:
“I have tried to bridge communication gaps before, but there must be willingness from your side as well.”
The PTI delegation acknowledged the Speaker’s previous willingness to mediate, but insisted that immediate intervention is once again urgently needed to secure visitation rights with their party founder.
By the end of the meeting, both sides agreed that maintaining communication and functioning parliamentary relations would be essential for addressing ongoing political tensions.
Later, speaking to journalists, PTI leader Asad Qaiser stated that the party had clearly presented its demands before the Speaker — with top priority given to ensuring unrestricted family and leadership visits to the PTI founder.
He further said that PTI also pressed for the formal notification of the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly — a matter the party considers long overdue.
According to Qaiser, Ayaz Sadiq promised to respond to these concerns by the following day. However, Qaiser cautioned that if the demands were disregarded, PTI would not allow parliamentary proceedings to continue unhindered.
He underscored that any limitations on meeting the PTI founder must be lifted and that access should be provided strictly in line with the prison manual, not through discretionary interpretation.
Qaiser also noted that the opposition would hold discussions with the Senate Chairman on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to secure political rights and institutional fairness.
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