ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Azam Swati on Saturday firmly rejected rumours suggesting that a political deal was in the works between party founder Imran Khan and the establishment.
Speaking to reporters outside a Rawalpindi court, Swati said that individuals spreading such claims had “lost their minds,” asserting that any negotiations would be held only for democratic purposes and not for securing Khan’s release.
“I have got permission from Khan Sahib for talks—but not for his release,” he said. “Imran Khan will speak for the rule of democracy and the Constitution.”
Swati further clarified that the initiative for dialogue was not about personal gain or bargaining for any legal leniency, but rather a broader push to uphold democratic principles in the country.
In response to criticism from within the party ranks, Swati defended his stance. “Is it a sin to hold talks?” he asked, emphasising that the intention was never a deal behind closed doors but to promote constitutional dialogue.
The PTI leader added that he was awaiting the arrival of former president Dr Arif Alvi to move forward with what he termed “regular talks”. Alvi had earlier been expected to participate last week, but Swati noted that his arrival has now been delayed to the coming week.
“Nothing definitive can be said yet. But let me be clear—the talks should not be about the release of Imran Khan. He has already made his name in history,” Swati remarked.
In previous statements, Swati claimed he had been tasked by Khan himself to initiate negotiations with the establishment. He had also told a private TV channel that he held a recent meeting with a “special personality” last Wednesday as part of these efforts.
Following that meeting, Swati said he tried to contact Dr Tanveer—believed to be Pakistani-American businessman Tanveer Ahmed, reportedly close to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir—but received no response.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja publicly distanced himself from the idea of any backdoor deal with the establishment, stating he was not aware of any such agreement.
The PTI founder, Imran Khan, remains incarcerated on a number of charges, while his party continues to face political and legal challenges in the aftermath of the May 9 unrest.
