Latif Khosa, a senior PTI leader, revealed that the government was willing to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan but requested one week to finalize the process.
Speaking in an interview with a private TV channel, Khosa said discussions took place at Adiala Jail, where government officials proposed delaying Khan’s release by a week. However, PTI pushed for his immediate release. Khosa criticized the delay, calling it a deceptive “lollipop,” and accused the government of turning Pakistan into a “garrison state” rather than a “police state.”
He added that Barristers Saif and Gohar were flown in by jet to negotiate with government officials, but the talks failed to produce an immediate solution.
PTI’s November 24 protests drew large crowds marching toward Islamabad, demanding the release of detained party members and the restoration of democracy. Despite roadblocks and internet shutdowns, protesters reached the capital. However, the demonstration ended abruptly after a late-night crackdown. PTI alleged that several supporters died during the operation.
Khosa condemned the events of November 27, calling it the “darkest day” in Pakistan’s history. He strongly rejected violence, including shootings and property destruction, and vowed that PTI would not accept unconstitutional actions. According to him, over 200 PTI supporters were killed and 1,900 injured during the protests.
Regarding party decisions, Khosa emphasized that only Imran Khan has the authority to make changes within PTI. He confirmed that Salman Akram Raja resigned from the party for personal reasons.
Khosa also warned against the government imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), likening it to the events of 1971 when Pakistan lost East Pakistan due to failure to respect regional mandates. He cautioned that such actions could have severe consequences for the country’s unity.
