ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan stated on Friday that engaging in talks with politicians would be futile if decisions are dictated from elsewhere.

He made these remarks while speaking to media personnel after a hearing in the GBP190 million corruption case.

Mr Khan clarified that the PTI was not opposed to political dialogue. But during previous talks with politicians, facilitated by former chief justice Umar Ata Bandial, political parties insisted that the “top man” had decided not to participate in elections until his retirement, he alleged.

Mr Khan emphasised that politicians always seek dialogue, citing PTI’s talks with General Pervez Musharraf’s representative during his tenure, rather than with the government.

Judge warns Maneka’s lawyer over absence in Iddat case

Iddat case

In a separate development, Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majooka adjourned the proceedings of Mr Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi’s appeals against their conviction in the Iddat case, due to the absence of counsel for complainant Khawar Fareed Maneka, Raja Rizwan Abbasi. The judge issued a notice to lawyer Abbasi, warning him to conclude the proceedings if he fails to appear at the next hearing.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2024