Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretary for Information, Sheikh Waqas Akram, has recently made bold accusations against the government for causing stalled negotiations, according to a report by Express News.
At a press conference held on Thursday, Akram expressed his frustration, stating, “The talks have come to a standstill due to the government’s unwillingness to budge. We are constantly being asked to list our demands in writing, even though our stance has remained unwavering.”
He highlighted the efforts made by PTI founder Imran Khan to engage in dialogue, despite what he described as oppressive actions by the government. Akram stressed, “Our request is simple: allow us to meet our chairman.”
Akram revealed that Khan has been deprived of contact with his legal team and supporters for a lengthy period of three and a half months. “Even his lawyers are being denied access to him,” he added.
Accusing the government of neglecting the party’s demands, despite their willingness to engage constructively, Akram disclosed that Khan had insisted on establishing a judicial commission during the third round of talks with the government.
“How can they address our significant demands when they can’t even facilitate a single meeting between our committee and Khan?” he questioned.
Furthermore, Akram criticized the treatment of Khan in prison, labeling it as inhumane and substandard. “He has been confined to a cell designated for terrorists, devoid of basic amenities like a TV, proper washrooms, or visitation privileges,” he lamented, dismissing the government’s claims of providing facilities.
Bringing attention to a court order that mandated the government to permit Khan to communicate with his children, Akram highlighted the government’s failure to comply with the directive.
In a bold comparison, Akram pointed out the contrasting treatment received by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif during his imprisonment. “In Adiala Jail, Nawaz was given the liberty to select his meal preferences for lunch and dinner,” he quipped.
Mocking the government’s apprehensions, Akram questioned, “Are you losing sleep over the possibility of our chairman’s release?”
