ISLAMABAD: While refusing to compromise on its principles, the PTI leaders on Monday proposed a national grand dialogue involving all political parties, the military establishment, civil society, and other stakeholders.

In a media talk at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said the party had made it clear that it would not talk to the establishment at the cost of its principles and constitutional rights.

Talking to Dawn, Raja said Imran Khan had also said several times that he was willing to talk to anyone, including the powers that be, but in the ambit of the Constitution.

“I repeat that we can talk to the establishment but not at the cost of party principles and constitutional rights. Imran Khan is in jail just because he decided not to compromise on his principles,” he explained.

He said the party decided to start protests from August 5 to mar­k Imran’s three years in jail but all decisions regarding the protest drive would be made by the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). He, however, said all possible options would be used to secure rights for Mr Khan and his release from the Adiala jail.

Raja criticised the judiciary, saying it had been “controlled” after the 26th and 27th Amend­ments and was not able to provide justice to anyone. He said the media had been “gagged” and it had become difficult for journalists to report on issues disliked by the state.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026