The leader of the Pakistan Muslim League leader of Pakistan (PML-N), Senator Irfan Siddiqui, declared that a meeting was not held between an American delegation and former prime minister Imran Khan in prison, and added that Imran Khan himself is not willing to meet with members of his own party.
Speaking to a private news channel, Siddiqui said: “If Imran Khan does not want to meet anyone from PTI, what can the government do?”
He pointed out that the leaders who served in the prison of decades for their principles never received the type of frequent visits enjoyed by Imran Khan. “PTI has no ideology or principle. His only concern seems to be: ‘How can we get a meeting?'” He said.
According to Siddiqui, prison protocols require a list of visitors to the inmate, who then decides who to meet. “This is not a big problem. If not today, a meeting occurs the next day.”
Criticizing the internal divisions of PTI, he said that most of his prominent figures see themselves as the whole party and do not recognize others. “PTI has become a messy group, turning confused.”
According to Khan’s position towards the conversations, Siddiqui said: “From the first day, Imran Khan has rejected the dialogue. The ISPR established two conditions: apologize on May 9 and commit to political leaders. But he refuses to negotiate.” He cited the recent comments by Senator Azam Swati in support of this position.
On the controversy about the construction of the channel and the protest of the PPP, Siddiqui said that the process began after a meeting of July 8, 2024 in the Presidency, where he addressed IRSA to proceed. “The Sindh Assembly approved a resolution against it only on March 14, 2025. Why was PPP silent all that time?”
Responding to the comments of President Asif Ali Zardari in Parliament against the channels, Siddiqui said that the declaration may have been promoted by political need after the pressure of nationalist parties in Sindh.
When addressing the questions about the dynamics of the coalition, it dismissed the possibility that PPP separates from the government, stating: “PPP is a party that supports constitutional institutions. It is not like PTI.”
On the role of Nawaz Sharif in resolving the problem of Baluchistan, he said: “Nawaz Sharif is an imposing political figure respected by all. His experience and relationships are crucial for national reconciliation.”
Regarding future elections, Siddiqui said that Nawaz had already decided not to seek prime minister before the 2024 elections. “What he decides on the next elections, I cannot say.”
When commenting on the militancy, he added: “If people take the mountains and choose violence, there can be no negotiations in response to bloodshed.”
