Imran Khan Urges PTI to Stand Firm on Prisoner Release Ahead of Talks
Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has issued a firm directive to his party to avoid any compromise on the issue of prisoner release as talks with the government approach. The critical discussion to finalize PTI’s strategy took place during a meeting with two members of PTI’s negotiation committee – Barrister Ali Zafar and Suleman Akram Raja – at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Express News reported.
PTI’s Stance and Upcoming Negotiations
Suleman Akram Raja, speaking to the media after the meeting, reaffirmed the party’s position, stating, “We are standing firm on our stance, and we remain hopeful about the success of the negotiations.” Imran Khan’s clear instruction to the committee was not to give in to any pressure regarding the release of prisoners, a key sticking point in the ongoing political dialogue.
The upcoming round of negotiations, scheduled for later today, is expected to be pivotal. The government’s team is led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and includes key figures such as Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and others. On the PTI side, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser heads the negotiating committee, which includes party leaders such as Ejaz Chaudhry, Hamid Raza, and Raja Nasser Abbas.
Mercy Petitions Approved
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday that mercy petitions submitted by 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 protests have been approved. The ISPR stated that the petitions of these 19 convicts had been accepted purely on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with the law. They will be released after completion of procedural formalities, while the mercy petitions of the remaining convicts would be decided in due course, following the legal process.
Sentences Handed Down for May 9 Attacks
In December, military courts sentenced 60 more civilians to prison terms for their roles in violent attacks on military installations during the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023. The individuals have been convicted for their involvement in violent attacks on key military and government facilities, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore, the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the ISI office in Faisalabad, and Bannu Cantt, among others.
The statement by the ISPR emphasized that all individuals sentenced have the legal right to appeal, as outlined by the country’s laws. The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of the due process and fairness in the legal system, ensuring that justice is served while also considering compassion and mercy.
