Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said the government is not refusing PTI government talks, but the release of Imran Khan is a matter for the courts. He urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to engage in serious negotiations.
Tarar said the government had repeatedly explained that Khan’s release could not be decided through political negotiations. He said the courts were the appropriate forum for matters concerning his legal status and release.
The law minister also rejected the idea of using rallies and marches to secure Khan’s release. He said constitutional and legal procedures were already available, and political gatherings could not replace those procedures.
Tarar also commented on the Supreme Court’s direction concerning Khan’s transfer to a private hospital. He said the court had ordered a medical examination, which had been completed.
He added that if there were any concerns about compliance with the court’s order, the matter should be taken back to the judiciary. He said such issues could not be resolved through rallies or political pressure.
Meanwhile, PTI Senator Ali Zafar said the government now had an opportunity to begin negotiations after the party postponed its long march. He said talks could start if the government took a step toward political engagement.
Zafar said an earlier meeting involving the opposition leader should not be considered formal negotiations. He said talks should take place through committees in closed-door meetings. He also maintained that the party’s October 4 long march remained scheduled.
