Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati has said that the party is awaiting a response from former president Arif Alvi before initiating any political dialogue, adding that discussions would only take place in support of democracy and constitutional rule.
Speaking to reporters outside the judicial complex in Rawalpindi on Saturday, Swati dismissed speculation of a political deal, saying, “those claiming a deal is under way have lost their senses,” Express News reported.
He clarified that any engagement would not be aimed at securing the release of party’s founding chairman Imran Khan.
“If Khan talks, it will only be for democracy and the constitution,” Swati said.
He stated that Dr Arif Alvi, a close aide to Khan, was expected to visit last week but had postponed until next week.
“We await his reply before taking the next step,” he noted.
The remarks came during Swati’s visit to express solidarity with PTI leader Aliya Hamza, who was arrested a day earlier.
Swati also commented on the party’s declining influence.
“I told Khan that I had 100,000 votes in Mansehra, and now not even one. Our standing is no longer what it was — today, our strength lies with the founder and the public,” he said.
Swati also praised Alvi as “a great man and Khan’s right hand,” underlining his role in guiding any future political move.
