In a press conference on Friday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Waqas Akram Sheikh said the party’s negotiation process will persist even if founder Imran Khan is sentenced on January 6, reported ExpressNews.
Sheikh added that the call for the civil disobedience campaign originated from Khan. He stressed that the current civil disobedience movement depends on the demands raised during these negotiations.
Currently, the first phase of the movement is underway, targeting Pakistanis living abroad. According to Sheikh, the families of these expatriates are being threatened and the full impact of the move will be assessed in the next three months.
The PTI spokesperson clarified that the civil disobedience movement is not directed at the country, but at the “fake” government, which he described as an “incompetent” prime minister. He also acknowledged that the PTI leadership is aware of the difficulties that the movement could impose on the public.
Sheikh criticized the current government, stating that those without a public mandate have been allowed to govern, leading to widespread human rights violations and the military trial of civilians.
He stressed that the PTI is a political party, not an armed group, and reaffirmed that the civil disobedience movement will continue without compromise as long as its demands remain unmet.
Addressing the speculations, Sheikh denied any agreement regarding the release of PTI workers from military courts, stressing that their release should not be misinterpreted as a gesture of goodwill.
In conclusion, he stated that Imran Khan should not face sentencing on January 6, but reiterated that the negotiation process would continue regardless of the court’s decision.
