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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has categorically denied inviting Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to join its ongoing protests. The denial comes after a party advisor, Muhammad Ali Saif, made a sarcastic statement implying such an invitation, leading to widespread criticism from the ruling coalition in Pakistan.
Saif, an advisor on information to the chief minister of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ruled by PTI, had said the party planned to “invite” Jaishankar to join its protests in Peshawar. He sarcastically suggested that Jaishankar should come and see that Pakistan is a strong democracy where everyone has the right to protest. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan swiftly clarified that Saif's remarks were taken out of context and that no foreign country, including India, has been invited to participate in the protests.
Gohar Khan emphasized that the party's 70-year-old policy regarding India is the backbone of PTI and that no foreign dignitary, including from India, has been invited to attend the protests. He asserted that PTI's political struggle is an internal matter and that Jaishankar's involvement is not warranted. The party's stance underscores its commitment to maintaining the sovereignty of Pakistan and its internal political affairs.
Jaishankar is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Pakistan on October 15 and 16. Saif's initial statement had drawn criticism from the ruling coalition, with ministers calling it “highly irresponsible” and amounting to “enmity towards Pakistan.”
PTI has been staging protests throughout the country, demanding the release of Imran Khan, who was arrested on August 5, 2023, and faces numerous legal cases. The party also calls for adherence to the constitution, the judiciary's independence, and action against rising inflation. The protests are expected to continue until Khan instructs his supporters to end them.
The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions within Pakistan and the complex relationship between Pakistan and India. While the SCO meeting presents an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation, the recent events surrounding the protests and the alleged invitation to Jaishankar demonstrate the deep-seated political divisions and mistrust between the two countries.
Source: Imran Khan's party clarifies stance, says Jaishankar not invited to protest