RAWALPINDI:
Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appeared to intensify on Thursday after no party leader showed up to meet jailed party founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, despite prior arrangements for the meeting.
Earlier in the day, a list of six senior leaders had been presented to prison authorities, requesting permission for the meeting.
The names included Barrister Gohar Khan, Salman Akram Raja and Sardar Latif Khosa, along with Babar Awan, Hamid Khan and Intezar Panjutha.
However, none of the leaders arrived at the jail before the meeting window closed at 4 p.m.
The Islamabad High Court has allowed Imran to meet twice a week (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) with his family, lawyers and other associates. Despite the order, the former prime minister has been largely banned from receiving visitors for several months.
Party leaders have faced growing criticism in recent months for routinely sending second- or third-tier representatives to Thursday meetings with Imran.
Every Tuesday, Imran’s sisters systematically arrive at Adiala Jail in an effort to meet their brother, even though such a meeting has not been allowed in recent months.
Meanwhile, PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram welcomed the continued diplomatic momentum following the initial round of talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran.
Akram asserted that Pakistan’s recent high-level engagements with key regional capitals, including visits to Tehran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reflect the State’s proactive and balanced diplomatic outreach aimed at reducing tensions and building consensus. “The efforts underline Pakistan’s growing credibility as a responsible mediator in the region.”
He noted that it is particularly noteworthy that the US administration has expressed confidence in Pakistan’s constructive role and mediation capacity, while recognizing its ability to facilitate dialogue in this highly sensitive and complex situation. That recognition reinforces the importance of Pakistan’s continued commitment as a bridge to peace.
At this critical juncture, Akram emphasized that Pakistan is not just hosting conversations: it is hosting history and helping to write the future of the region and the world. This responsibility requires consistency, patience and principled diplomacy, which the State of Pakistan has continued to demonstrate through its actions.
The PTI, through Sheikh Waqas Akram, reiterates that Pakistan’s role must remain firmly anchored in strengthening peace, not taking sides. The State’s diplomatic initiatives, supported by friendly countries in the region and beyond, have helped sustain the ceasefire environment and keep communication channels open during this critical period.
