Imran claims PDM offered talks, vows to surprise all.

LAHORE -- Days after a meeting between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar and President Arif Alvi, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan claimed that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government had approached the former ruling party for talks.

The former prime minister made these remarks while speaking about his strategy for the long march and other issues, including the appointment of the new army chief and Pakistan's economic situation, in an interaction with media at his Zaman Park residence on Sunday.

Mr Khan said the PDM government relayed messages through President Alvi to him and the PTI, but he was not ready to sit with the government till the announcement of fresh elections - a long-held demand of the former premier.

'I would be open to talks on all issues' after the announcement of the date for the general elections, he added. He said the government was afraid to go the polls because it had lost its popularity among the masses. 'I will defeat the corrupt rulers' government with the support of people since they are motivated to get their rights and justice,' he vowed.

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When contacted, PML-N Punjab Information Secretary Azma Bukhari denied the claim made by the PTI chairman regarding the talks offer.

'Imran Khan tries to hold our collar in the day but keeps beseeching for an honourable way out in the dark of the night,' she quipped while reacting to the PTI chief's remarks.

Another PML-N leader, on the condition of anonymity, said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had called on President Alvi 'only to check his reaction on the proposed summary being forwarded for the appointment of the new army chief'.

'Surprise for all'

Mr Khan, who is recuperating in Lahore after he was injured in a gun attack near Wazirabad earlier this month, said he was all set to give a 'surprise to everyone' on November 26 - the day the long marchers will converge on Rawalpindi. The party's strategy to take the long march to Rawalpindi instead of Islamabad will also be unfolded soon, he added, referring to the 'surprise'. Mr Khan asserted that he will be present in Pindi (even if not fully recovered) to greet the marchers and explain the next strategy of the march on Islamabad.

The PTI chairman claimed that he knew the planning of the PDM government and he had 'counter-plans' to surprise the government and its alleged facilitators. He went on to say that the incumbent...