Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Rules Out Deal or Leniency for PTI
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has ruled out any possibility of leniency, a deal, or any concession for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He rejected speculation about backchannel contacts with the party regarding the legal cases of its founder, Imran Khan.
Minister Rejects Backchannel Talks
The minister's remarks came a day after PTI lawyers Sardar Latif Khosa and Barrister Salman Safdar met Imran Khan at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. The meeting took place after an Islamabad High Court order and the release of Noreen Niazi and Uzma. They had remained in detention for 50 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.
I strongly reject the notion that there are any back-channel contacts with the PTI that could affect the legal matters currently pending before the courts, or that there is any possibility of leniency, a deal or any concession from the government.
He added, "There is no room for any such arrangement."
Urges PTI Not to Politicise Imran's Health
Speaking on a private news channel, the minister urged the party to keep political and legal matters separate from Imran Khan's health. He accused PTI lawyers of politicising the issue.
Addressing statements made by the lawyers after their visit to the former premier, he said, "There are only two possible interpretations: either the PTI's lawyers are politicising Imran's health, or they are not saying anything that has any connection with reality."
"The assumptions and speculation that some kind of change is taking place are baseless. Most of these assumptions are based on wishes and desires," he said.
Criticism of Media Reports and Legal Approach
The minister said lawyers' statements and media reports based on sources could harm the PTI more than benefit it. He criticised media reports based on sources, saying they are doing the PTI more harm than good.
He stated that if the party's legal team focused on legal arguments instead of making it a political issue, they might find a way of securing relief for Imran.
Politicising Imran's health through political statements will not benefit them at all.
PTI's Stance on Talks and Meetings
Chaudhry questioned PTI's public stance and its willingness to pursue contacts and meetings. He said that on one hand they present themselves as uncompromising, while on the other, they seem very eager for contacts.
"They should choose one path: either stand by their narrative or, if they want meetings and contacts, then there should be meetings and contacts," he said.
He said the government had repeatedly invited the PTI to sit down for talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also extended an invitation for negotiations.
Details of Adiala Jail Meeting
Yesterday's court-mandated meeting between Imran and his lawyers lasted between three and four hours. During the meeting, the lawyers discussed the couple's health and legal cases.
Safdar said the meeting was held to obtain legal instructions. He added that comprehensive legal instructions had been given by both Imran and Bushra Bibi.
Imran Khan's Health Condition
After the meeting, Khosa said Imran's blood pressure continued to fluctuate and had reached a frightening level. His eye-related problems also persisted.
However, he said the former prime minister remained completely alert and his spirits were strong. Khosa also confirmed that the possible 28th Constitutional Amendment had been discussed, but declined to share further details.
Court Order on Al-Qadir Trust Case
The Islamabad High Court had directed authorities to facilitate the meeting while hearing appeals filed by Imran and Bushra against their convictions in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. The court also directed their counsel to begin arguments at the next hearing.
