Special Assistant on Information to PTI founder Imran Khan, Shafiullah Jan  has sharply criticized former party leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Imran Ismail for allegedly attempting backchannel talks, questioning their mandate and accusing them of seeking a return to the party after abandoning it during tough times.While talking to a priviate TV Channel hew stated that  only Imran Khan, as PTI's founder, holds the authority for any negotiations or discussions.

"Who gave them the mandate if they are trying to hold talks?" he asked, emphasizing that Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, and Mahmood Moulvi had left PTI to join the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) following a press conference, only to now express interest in rejoining.In a separate segment on the same program, former federal minister Asad Umar clarified details of a prior meeting, noting that it involved Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan rather than Ghulam Sarwar Khan, as previously reported.

Umar suggested that progress in resolving PTI's challenges could depend on Imran Khan understanding matters directly through consultations with imprisoned leaders.Shafi Jan expressed hope for reduced difficulties on PTI, including Imran Khan's release from jail and a return to constitutional democratic processes. However, he described the key players in any resolution as "two and a half parties": the military establishment and PTI as the main forces, with the current government as a "weak half-party."

He argued that success is unlikely without direct involvement from authorized parties, warning that unauthorized efforts without a clear mandate would lead nowhere."If a single tweet from the PTI founder could resolve the entire issue, what is the need for all this?" Shafi Jan remarked, adding that PTI must adapt its approach for forward movement. Without change, especially given the party's public support allegedly being suppressed, Pakistan's political crisis would persist.

The comments come amid reports of quiet reconciliation initiatives led by former PTI figures, including Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, and Mahmood Moulvi, who have been pushing for dialogue to lower political temperatures and facilitate the release of jailed leaders. Sources indicate these efforts have shifted focus toward senior PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail, though Imran Khan has publicly rejected compromise-based deals.PTI continues to face internal and external pressures, with no official confirmation of authorized talks from the party's core leadership.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)