Latif Khosa, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, has disclosed that the government was prepared to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan and wanted one week for this.
According to Khosa, the government sought an additional week to finalize the release. He explained, during an interview to a private TV channel, that discussions were held at Adiala Jail, where government officials proposed releasing Khan after a week, although PTI preferred immediate action. Khosa criticized this delay, calling it a mere “lollipop,” and pointed out that the government had compromised, turning Pakistan into a “garrison state” rather than a “police state.”
He also mentioned that Barristers Saif and Gohar were brought in by jet to negotiate, but the talks failed to resolve the issue promptly. PTI’s protests, which started on November 24, led to a large crowd marching toward Islamabad, demanding the release of party members and the restoration of democracy. Despite facing roadblocks and internet shutdowns, the protesters reached the capital. However, the demonstration was called off after a late-night crackdown, which PTI claims resulted in the deaths of several supporters.
Khosa condemned the events of November 27, calling it the “blackest day” in Pakistan’s history. He rejected any justification for violence, such as shootings or destroying property, and insisted that the PTI would not tolerate unconstitutional actions. He claimed that over 200 PTI supporters were killed, and 1,900 others were wounded during the protests.
Khosa also commented on potential changes within the party, stating that only Imran Khan has the authority to make such decisions. He confirmed that Salman Akram Raja had resigned from the party for personal reasons. Finally, Khosa warned that if the government imposed the governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), it would have severe consequences, likening it to the loss of East Pakistan in 1971 due to the failure to respect regional mandates.
