PTI’s Salman Akram Raja Calls for Release of Party Workers, Says Talks Can Continue Only with Imran Khan’s Support

Islamabad:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja has stated that any ongoing negotiations between PTI and the government can only continue with the explicit support of Imran Khan. He further demanded the immediate release of thousands of PTI workers currently imprisoned across the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with a private TV channel, Advocate Salman Akram Raja emphasized that the current system is based on negative attitudes and practices. He pointed out that thousands of PTI workers remain in jail, including prominent leaders like Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who should be granted bail while their cases proceed.

**Release of Party Workers:**
“Thousands of our workers are in prisons, and all PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, should be granted bail. Their cases can continue, as cases do continue,” Salman Akram Raja said, stressing the need for the release of political prisoners.

**Opposition to Military Courts:**
Raja also made it clear that PTI does not recognize military courts. He stated, “We do not accept military courts, and we will not retreat from our stance on military court decisions. The decision to grant protection to military courts through constitutional amendments during PTI’s tenure was wrong, and it remains wrong today.”

He explained that the real issue lies in how to restore the public’s mandate and ensure that the people’s rights are not taken away in the future. “We must ensure that no one’s mandate is stolen again,” he emphasized.

**Call for Justice and Political Release:**
Raja urged that all political activists from PTI should be released, pointing out the inconsistency in the judicial system. “A murderer can get bail, but our leaders should also be granted bail. The legal process should continue, but they should be free,” he remarked.

**Dialogue and Negotiations:**
He reiterated that the negotiations committee was formed under Imran Khan’s leadership, and any dialogue with the government would continue only with Khan’s approval. Addressing the incidents of May 9 and November 26, Raja proposed the formation of a judicial commission to uncover the facts surrounding those events. “I will participate in negotiations on January 2, and I hope things move forward positively,” he said.

**On U.S. Sanctions:**
When asked about potential U.S. sanctions on Pakistan, Salman Akram Raja stated that the issue was more about defense and foreign policy rather than a political matter. “We do not want any country sitting outside and controlling Pakistan,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Raja’s statements reflect PTI’s firm stance on the ongoing political crisis, its opposition to military courts, and the party’s demand for the release of its detained members. The coming months may see significant developments as PTI plans to resume negotiations and seek justice for its political workers.