( ISLAMABAD ) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Monday that his request to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail would be considered, according to a statement from the ministry.
The ministry’s spokesperson confirmed that Barrister Gohar had sent a letter requesting a meeting with Imran Khan and had also spoken with the minister over the phone.
Due to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad on Tuesday and Wednesday, the government had imposed a ban on all prisoner visits. In response, PTI announced protests against the ban on Tuesday.
The interior ministry clarified that while Minister Naqvi said the request would be considered, no promise was made to approve the visit.
“Considering the security concerns around the SCO summit, prisoner meetings are currently suspended. Granting an exception for one prisoner would set a double standard and be unfair to others,” the spokesperson explained.
The ministry’s statement came after Information Minister Ataullah Tarar criticized PTI’s decision to protest during the summit, calling it irresponsible.
“They are causing internal disputes. No political party is above the country. If they want to protest, they can do so at home,” Tarar said during the launch of the Media Facilitation Centre.
Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements, noting visits from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a high-level Saudi delegation. “Today, the Chinese Premier is here, and the SCO summit begins tomorrow,” he said.
He emphasized the significance of the summit, explaining that it would boost Pakistan’s international standing. “Pakistan is playing a central role in the region, and the summit will attract investment,” he added.
Tarar alled the event an honor for Pakistan, with full security in place. “The prime minister will present Pakistan’s positions on Palestine and Kashmir,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique criticized PTI’s pattern of calling protests during foreign visits in a message on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
Rafique warned that encouraging confrontations between party workers and law enforcement was dangerous. “PTI should avoid confrontation and withdraw their protest call unconditionally,” he urged.