IHC-Facilitated Meeting: Imran Khan meets lawyer as opposition alliance charts protest plan

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Salman Safdar on Thursday met Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, a day after the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to facilitate the meeting.

The lawyer, who represents the former premier in the Al Qadir case, left the jail premises without speaking to the media. The court had earlier permitted Safdar to consult Imran on the case proceedings, marking their second meeting this year — the previous one also arranged on judicial instructions amid concerns over the PTI founder’s health.

Separately, a meeting of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) was held in Islamabad at the residence of Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who serves as chairman of the alliance and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.

The meeting was attended by key political figures, including Raja Nasir Abbas, Salman Akram Raja, Gohar Ali Khan, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Hassan Raza, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Ammar Ali Jan, and Ali Wazir, among others.

According to a declaration issued after the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the country’s political situation, regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, developments in the Middle East, and conditions in Balochistan.

The alliance welcomed the reported two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that it would lead to lasting peace. It stressed that sustainable stability in the Middle East required a just resolution of conflicts not only in Iran but also in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Participants also appreciated recent Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue hosted in China, calling engagement with neighbouring countries essential for regional stability and development. The alliance reiterated that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than military confrontation.

On the domestic front, the TTAP urged the government to promote political dialogue, uphold the rule of law and respect the public mandate. It called for unity among political forces to address ongoing national challenges.

Expressing concern over the situation in Balochistan, the meeting demanded the release of leaders and workers of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, withdrawal of cases against Akhtar Mengal, and an end to what it termed exploitation of the province’s resources.

The alliance also welcomed the high court’s directive facilitating meetings with Imran Khan and urged the judiciary to expedite hearings on related cases. It called for immediate restoration of access between the jailed PTI leader and his legal team, family and political associates.

Announcing its future strategy, the TTAP said it would hold nationwide district-level public gatherings on April 25 in support of constitutional supremacy, the release of political prisoners — including Imran Khan — and economic relief measures.

Additionally, rallies will be organised across the country on Labour Day to express solidarity with workers and present an alternative economic agenda, as participants voiced concern over rising inflation and its impact on the public, particularly farmers and labourers.