PTI Chairman Rejects ‘Five Elders’ Formula for Talks, Announces Nationwide Strike on February 8
*Rawalpindi:* Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has dismissed reports of negotiations being limited to a meeting of “five elders,” saying such an idea should not be taken seriously and has no practical basis.
Speaking to the media at Dagal Naka on Adiala Road while heading to meet party founder Imran Khan, Barrister Gohar said that neither can five individuals hold such a meeting nor is there any need for it. He questioned how negotiations could take place when meetings themselves are not being allowed, adding that PTI leaders visit Adiala Jail every Tuesday but are forced to return without meeting Imran Khan. He claimed that for over a month, no one has been permitted to meet the party founder.
The PTI chairman said turning meetings into a controversy has stalled progress, and that an “unreasonable price” is being demanded to normalize the political situation. He alleged that while PTI has tried to improve conditions, the opposing side has made equal efforts to worsen them.
Barrister Gohar emphasized that the party’s greatest strength lies in its workers, who have endured significant hardships. He announced that PTI will observe a nationwide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on February 8, accompanied by protests across the country.
He stressed that to normalize the situation, meetings between Imran Khan, his sisters, and lawyers are essential. He also called for the issuance of notifications for opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate, stating that those working for political stability should be encouraged.
Clarifying recent remarks, Barrister Gohar said his statement about “begging” was misrepresented. He explained that when meetings are denied despite court orders, SOPs, and laws, it effectively amounts to begging for basic legal rights. He added that the political system has become stagnant, noting that party leadership has not met Imran Khan since February last year.
He reiterated that PTI has never called off negotiations but sees no logic in the “five elders” concept. He also expressed hope that the Pakistan Peoples Party would allow PTI to hold a rally in Sindh.
**Statement by Aleema Khan**
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan told the media at Gorakhpur Naka that delays in Quran recitation were caused by road blockades. She alleged that Imran Khan is being kept in solitary confinement, which she said is against constitutional provisions. Aleema Khan claimed the authorities fear Imran Khan because he would speak about public freedoms if allowed to come out.
She criticized the government over economic conditions and appealed to police personnel not to follow unlawful orders. She also complained that while Imran Khan’s name is avoided in the media, international news—such as coverage of the Israeli prime minister—continues to be aired.
**Sit-in and Protests**
PTI workers, along with Imran Khan’s sisters and party leaders, staged sit-ins at various checkpoints near Adiala Jail after being denied permission to meet him. Heavy police deployment was reported, with roads to the jail sealed at five locations. Protesters carried out Quran recitation at Factory Naka, where police action, including the release of water from a tanker, drew strong criticism from PTI leaders.
Despite it being a scheduled meeting day, no family member or party leader was allowed to meet Imran Khan. The sit-in at Factory Naka continued late into the day, with senior PTI figures and workers chanting slogans and vowing to continue their protest.
