After heated exchange, PTI lawmakers reiterate loyalty to Imran

A considerable number of PTI lawmakers at a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday voiced opposition to further talks with key figures, asserting that the opposing side had already attained their objectives. Several members criticized the party leadership for its perceived overdependence on Sohail Afridi, who, they noted, held no official position within the party.

The heated discussion, which extended beyond seven hours, saw some questioning the delegation of significant authority to Afridi, who was not part of the party's hierarchy.

Around 15 lawmakers, however, advocated for the proposed 28th Amendment, contending that it could contribute to reconciliation with the establishment and facilitate the release of Imran Khan. The meeting at Parliament House aimed to deliberate on the political scenario and chart the party's strategic path forward. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan chaired the session, while former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, Senator Ali Zafar, and Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar were present.

An anonymous source revealed that most attendees, including Qaiser and Qaiser, had dismissed further negotiation efforts. Some targeted Gohar and General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, questioning the apparent reliance on Afridi by the leadership. They alleged that the top brass had vested all authority in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister due to his perceived ineffectiveness following the imposition of governor's rule in his province.

Qaiser presented a pre-prepared declaration containing unaddressed points, causing annoyance among several members. In response, Faisal Amin Gandapur declared, "Is this a joke?" and left the meeting. Mobeen Arif Jutt questioned the party's failure to champion jailed or hidden leaders, calling it embarrassing when speaking to them. He also lambasted opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai for allegedly contacting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding his son's arrest, a matter he sought to resolve in Lahore.

Azam Swati called for Barrister Gohar and his colleagues to resign, while MNA Shah Ahad criticized the leadership. Peshawar MNA Sher Ali alleged that party leaders were receiving calls urging them to surrender to the police or face raids on their homes. After the meeting, Chief Whip Amir Dogar stated that various pressing issues had been discussed, but final decisions would be made after consultations with opposition leaders in both houses.

This marked the inaugural session, with another meeting scheduled to follow, according to Dogar. Senator Ali Zafar mentioned that the gathering had deliberated on potential future actions and that committees, to be headed by opposition leaders, would be established. Media reports suggested that some lawmakers, including Ali Muhammad Khan, exited the meeting before its conclusion.