RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has said that celebrations will be staged instead of a protest if there’s a breakthrough in the PTI-government talks, his lawyer said, hinting at calling off the protest.
Following a meeting with Khan at Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “If there’s headway in talks by tomorrow, there’ll be celebrations instead of protests.”
The lawyer went on to say that the PTI founder has said that this was the second time he had given a protest call since the May 9 protest — which saw state installations being ransacked.
He reiterated that their demands would form the basis of any dialogue and that the cancellation of protests depends on the acceptance of those demands.
The PTI founder has also clarified that reports of spending Rs1 billion on protests are baseless, said Chaudhry.
The party founder also said that there is no option left except for protests, emphasising that political parties are crucial in keeping the country united.
Speaking about the negotiations, the founder said: “If the talks progress by tomorrow, there will be celebrations instead of protests. Otherwise, we are prepared for peaceful demonstrations.”
He added: “I have given time until tomorrow for the negotiations. Talks will only take place with those who hold the real power.”
The founder also expressed concerns over restrictions, saying, “We are not allowed to hold rallies or gatherings,” while maintaining, “I have always called for peaceful protests.”
“It takes effort from both sides for progress to be made.”
 founder Imran Khan has said that celebrations will be staged instead of){kind=link}