"They are deceivers:" Imran Khan shuts doors of negotiation with establishment

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, has said that he will no longer engage in negotiations with the establishment, citing their alleged deceitful actions.

"I have shut the doors of negotiation with the establishment," the former prime minister said in informal talks with journalists at Rawalpindi jail.

"No one should talk to them, they are deceivers," he added.

Khan revealed that the establishment had requested his party to postpone a rally on August 22 for the sake of the country.

"They were talking to us on one hand and planning an operation against us on the other hand, just like Yahya Khan did with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."

Drawing parallels with history, Khan compared the establishment's alleged actions to those of former army chief Yahya Khan.

"The same thing happened with us on May 9 (2023). They are still following the policies of Yahya Khan."

When asked who was holding talks with the powerful from his side, the veteran politician, without naming anyone, said five to six members of his party were in dialogues with the establishment.

"We have never closed the doors of negotiations before, but today we are closing these doors," Mr Khan added.

The cricketer-turned-politician also defended Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur's slur against women and establishment.

"Those who want to apologise for his remarks are cowards, they should be expelled from the party."

Mr Khan also announced plans to hold a rally in Lahore on September 21, urging the nation to prepare for peaceful protests. 

"We will hold a rally in Lahore on September 21, whether they allow it or not."

"I ask the nation to prepare to take to the streets for democracy and the rule of law. The constitution gives us the right to peaceful protest, so don't be afraid of filling up the jail. Remove the fear of jail from your heart."