ISLAMABAD: A meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and US Ambassador Richard Olson at the former’s Bani Gala residence on Saturday has generated speculations about impending political developments.

It was the first meeting between Imran Khan and Ambassador Olson since the PTI began its sit-in in Islamabad’s ‘red zone’ in mid-August. More importantly, the meeting took place ahead of the party’s planned rally in the federal capital on Nov 30 which, analysts believe, would mark the next phase of Mr Khan’s campaign against alleged rigging in last year’s elections.

The meeting took place at the request of the US ambassador, a PTI spokesperson said.

But both sides tried to play down any significance of the meeting, saying that there was nothing extraordinary in it.

An American source privy to the meeting said that it was a “courtesy call” and part of the ambassador’s interaction with politicians.

Shireen Mazari, the PTI’s information secretary, told reporters that there was nothing specific on the agenda.

A source said that the Nov 30 rally was one of the issues that came up for discussion.

The PTI leader reiterated his party’s position on poll rigging and explained the objectives of his movement.

Analysts attached importance to the meeting as it took place a day after US President Barack Obama phoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif was about to conclude his US trip.

Published in Dawn, November 23th , 2014