PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar on Thursday said no dialogue with the government could take place until meetings with imprisoned party founder Imran Khan were allowed. He made the remarks during a gathering in Lahore with the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), which is on a three-day visit as part of its “street movement” for political and social engagement.
Read More: Ali Zafar: Imran Khan stands firm—no deals, only justice
TTAP leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas attended the gathering held at the residence of Advocate Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, where journalists, political figures, and PTI workers were present. Zafar welcomed the delegation and urged the alliance to advocate for access to Imran, who has reportedly been denied visitors in recent weeks.
📍لاہور
تحریکِ تحفظِ آئینِ پاکستان کے چیئرمین محمود خان اچکزئی اور مجلس وحدت المسلمین کے سربراہ علامہ راجہ ناصر عباس جعفری کا صبح سویرے چوہدری غلام عباس کے گھر آمد پر شاندار استقبال کیا گیا۔اس موقع پر سینئر صحافی جناب حسن نثار صاحب، جناب سہیل وڑائچ صاحب، جناب اوریا مقبول جان… pic.twitter.com/YxAUdON5C9
— Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) January 9, 2026
“No talks or dialogue can start until meetings are allowed with Imran,” he said, assuring full cooperation from PTI leaders and workers in Lahore. He emphasized that the immediate priority was safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, adding that Imran’s release was “the need of the time.”
Zafar warned that the government should avoid any step that could harm Pakistan’s future or compromise its sovereignty. He also expressed appreciation for the TTAP delegation, noting the difficulties faced during their visit and highlighting that PTI workers face similar challenges daily.
Earlier, Achakzai led the TTAP caravan from Islamabad to Lahore and called on political parties and citizens to support a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike to mark the second anniversary of the Feb 8 elections. The protest, he said, would help pressure the government into holding talks with the opposition and facilitating Imran’s release.
Read More: Imran Khan risks Pakistan economy with IMF letter
The PTI also accused Punjab police of cracking down on its supporters ahead of the visit, citing late-night raids and attacks on the TTAP caravan by masked individuals. Achakzai added that a strong, peaceful protest would be key to ensuring dialogue with the government.