Islamabad: In an about-turn, Pakistan's incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has agreed to talks with the Shehbaz Sharif-led government and is "ready to forgive" what happened to him for reconciliation, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Gohar Khan said this week.
"We told the PTI founder that dialogue is necessary, as the distance is widening. He agreed with us (on this)," Gohar told the media outside the Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. According to Geo News, he said that Imran wants all avenues of dialogue to be opened and is ready to forgive what he faced for a chance towards reconciliation.
"PTI founder has said many times that 'I am ready to forgive what happened to me'," Gohar further said. When asked if the negotiations will take place at the behest of the Supreme Court's advice, the PTI chairman said: "The option given by the apex court is also under consideration."
"We have never refused to negotiate. The ice is breaking. We want things to improve," said Gohar, insisting that his party's negotiation offer should not be interpreted as a deal. His remarks came after Imran Khan softened his stance, ordering the leaders to establish contacts both inside and outside the Parliament to ease the ongoing political tensions.
Imran has been lodged behind bars for his involvement in multiple cases. He has been charged in the Toshakhana corruption case, cipher case for displaying a secret diplomatic cable, cases on the May 9 riots, and others.
Imran's decision for reconciliatory talks came after his interaction with Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa when he appeared for a hearing before the Supreme Court. During the hearing pertaining to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law amendments, CJP Isa suggested that Khan go to the Parliament to help resolve Pakistan’s problems "as the country needs to move forward".
