PTI Clarifies Jail Letter: Calls for Dialogue, Not Surrender

Amid growing political uncertainty, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has clarified that the recent jail letter issued by its Punjab leadership, authored by one of its incarcerated senior leaders, was not a sign of capitulation but a reaffirmation of their commitment to meaningful dialogue and party ideology.

In a statement to The Express Tribune, PTI Punjab’s social media head explained that the letter did not present any new demands, but aimed to dismiss widespread assumptions that jailed party members were seeking a deal to end their detention. “All these five leaders are standing tall, and their commitment to the party’s cause remains unwavering,” he stated.

Dialogue with Power Corridors Urged

The letter, sent via legal channels, reflects PTI’s ongoing call for inclusive negotiations, not just among political parties, but also with those “who are actually calling the shots,” a veiled reference to the military establishment.

Senior PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, during a media interaction at his jail trial, endorsed the move, urging party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja to visit him in Kot Lakhpat Jail. “This is the consensus of the inmates,” he said, adding that while the name of the negotiation counterpart will be revealed in due course, the need for talks is urgent.

“We wanted to talk with powerful corridors, but they received a reply that PTI should talk with politicians,” Qureshi said. He stressed that access to Imran Khan is critical to finalize any negotiation path.

Dr Yasmeen Rashid also rejected any suggestion of backdoor compromise. “We are in jails for the sake of this country, not for mines,” she said. “We haven’t committed any offence, yet we remain firm. I had many opportunities abroad, but I chose to stay in Pakistan because I love this country.”

PPP, PML-N Welcome PTI’s Shift in Tone

In a rare sign of convergence, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique praised the PTI letter as “important and wise.” He encouraged the founding PTI leadership to support this approach, urging unconditional talks to reduce political animosity. “If we can talk to enemy countries, why can’t we talk to each other?” he asked.

Rafique emphasized the urgency of forging a new national democratic charter, warning, “Let’s sit down together and decide on the rule of the Constitution in Pakistan or recite the Fatiha of democracy.”

The PPP, too, reiterated its stance on initiating a broader national dialogue and supported the formation of a new Charter of Democracy.

Protests After Muharram?

Despite these overtures, PTI has announced plans to launch a protest movement after Muharram. However, Saad Rafique expressed doubt about its potential success, citing internal divisions within PTI, poor organizational strength, oppressive weather conditions, and institutional rigidity.