Imran Khan calls on party to avoid infighting, finalize opposition alliance

The spokesperson for Pakistan’s main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Waqas Akram Sheikh, revealed on Tuesday that the party’s jailed leader, Imran Khan, gave six key directives during a meeting with senior leaders at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

Among the key directives was a warning to PTI members to refrain from public infighting and avoid media statements that could fuel internal divisions.

Key directives from Imran Khan

1. No unauthorized negotiations

• Khan clarified that while he has "never closed the door to dialogue," any negotiations must serve national interests, constitutional supremacy, and the rule of law—not his personal legal battles.
• "Bushra Bibi and I will fight our cases in court—we will not strike any deal for our release," he asserted.

2. Immediate halt to controversy over Mines Bill

The PTI founder instructed that all public debates on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Mines and Minerals Bill cease immediately.

"KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will brief me first. Only after my approval will the bill proceed," he directed.

3. Unity over internal disputes

Khan warned that political opponents are exploiting PTI’s internal rifts and urged leaders to avoid airing disagreements in public.

"Differences of opinion must stay within the party. Do not take internal matters to the media," he emphasized.

4. Resolution on Afghan refugees

The former PM called for the KP Assembly to pass a resolution demanding:

• An extension in the deportation deadline for Afghan refugees.
• Permission for the KP government to engage directly with Afghan authorities, citing the province’s disproportionate suffering from terrorism.

5. Push for election tribunal decisions

Khan demanded a KP Assembly resolution urging the Peshawar High Court’s Chief Justice to expedite rulings on pending PTI election petitions.

6. Finalize alliances

The PTI chief ordered swift engagement with potential allies to solidify a united opposition front.

"All options, including protests, remain on the table," he declared.

Earlier, another PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, after meeting Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, said only five lawyers were allowed access, while Aleema Khan, PTI founder's sister, was denied a meeting. He added that Imran Khan had not authorized anyone for negotiations.

Gohar criticized the denial of family visits and announced plans to file a contempt of court application, citing Islamabad High Court orders for two meetings per week. He also relayed Khan's statement that no party leader should make negative comments about one another and that the opposition should unite on a short agenda for democracy.