Negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have reached a deadlock. The situation escalated after a controversial conversation involving Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan. Her remarks have added fuel to an already tense political climate.
A leaked WhatsApp exchange between Aleema Khan and PTI social media operator Ahsan Alvi has caused significant uproar. In the chat, Aleema Khan questioned efforts to secure better prison conditions for her brother, Imran Khan. She suggested that the public should feel the pain of the current circumstances, implying that it could strengthen PTI’s political narrative.
This development has drawn sharp criticism from government representatives. Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s political advisor, accused PTI of creating a deliberate narrative. He alleged that PTI is portraying Imran Khan’s imprisonment as a strategy to paint the government as oppressive. During a press conference, he criticized PTI for failing to present clear demands and pointed to internal conflicts within the party.
“The leaked video and its content show that PTI has crafted a narrative of Imran Khan’s suffering to manipulate public opinion,” said Sanaullah.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui also voiced his concerns during a TV appearance. He questioned the logic of holding talks with a government perceived as temporary and powerless. “If the government is ineffective, why negotiate? Why not approach us directly?” Siddiqui asked.
Amid these rising tensions, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, head of PTI’s negotiating team, expressed optimism. He noted that Imran Khan has approved the continuation of talks. However, Imran Khan has issued a stern warning to the government. He stated that PTI will withdraw from negotiations if a judicial commission is not formed before the next session.
The controversy surrounding Aleema Khan’s remarks has deepened the divide between PTI and the government. With both sides exchanging blame, the future of these negotiations remains uncertain.
