LAHORE MIRROR — Amid the ongoing situation involving the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the party’s leadership has begun engaging with foreign diplomats stationed in Islamabad.
It was reported by local newspaper ‘The News’ that the PTI leaders wants to seek “support” and relief for their incarcerated leader. As Khan’s time behind bars crosses the two-week mark following a trial court’s decision in the Toshakhan case, PTI’s efforts to garner assistance appear to have intensified.
It also reported that that a gathering took place at the residence of Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins in the Diplomatic Enclave. PTI stalwarts including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Barrister Ali Zafar, and Raoof Hasan were in attendance, along with seven foreign envoys.
Among those present were US Ambassador Donald Blome, UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott, European Union Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka, Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon, Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas, and Indonesian Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio.
While official confirmation from the diplomats is unavailable, two PTI leaders have reportedly verified the meeting. The Foreign Office has refrained from commenting on the matter as well. The breakfast meeting was planned in advance with the consent of PTI’s senior vice chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a former foreign minister.
During the meeting, the PTI leaders discussed the circumstances surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and the legal case that led to his three-year sentence. They also explained the cipher saga to the US ambassador, engaging in a conversation about the prevailing political landscape. Raoof Hasan, PTI Central Secretary Information, noted that the Australian High Commissioner had extended an invitation for breakfast, providing them with an opportunity to discuss the nation’s political situation.
In addition to Imran Khan’s situation, the meeting covered topics such as the growing terrorism trends, regional dynamics, upcoming elections, and other political matters. Senator Ali Zafar emphasized that these broader issues were also part of the discussions with the foreign envoys.
