Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati revealed on Thursday that he has formally initiated contact with the establishment with the permission of the party’s incarcerated founder Imran Khan.

Speaking during SAMAA TV’s current affairs programme Nadeem Malik Live, Swati said he was “100 percent hopeful” about the success of the dialogue process and expressed optimism that “friendly countries” might also become part of the evolving political engagement.

“I’ve begun these contacts today after seeking guidance from the PTI founder, who said: ‘Azam, you are my loyal companion, go ahead and talk. I will not deal; that is not my job,’” Swati quoted the PTI founder as saying.

The former senator maintained that the first meeting would be preliminary and could take place within a few days before or after Wednesday. “I will meet someone, and after that, I will be in a better position to share the future course of action,” he said.

Swati stated that he has remained in close coordination with members of the Pakistani diaspora in the United States and has kept senior party leaders informed, including former president Dr. Arif Alvi.

“I have conveyed to Dr. Alvi that I am meeting someone on Wednesday and have requested that he and other party friends join the initiative,” he added.

Swati, who met the PTI founder on April 2 at Adiala Jail, recounted his conversation with him, noting that the party leadership had twice submitted his name for a meeting.

“I cried and prayed to Allah to make this path easy. The founder appreciated the purpose of my visit and told me, ‘Azam, you have come, I agree’.”

Dismissing speculation that he had been sent by any faction to undermine the party, Swati clarified: “Some say I’ve been put up by generals or the timber mafia. No one can stand the way I have stood. The mission is bigger than the founder — it is about liberating Pakistan through institutions.”

Swati stressed that his intent is not personal but national. “My integrity is my strength. I feel ashamed when I go out while my leader remains behind bars. I’m not important, but if I can open a door for the country, then may Allah make it happen.”

Responding to a question from host Nadeem Malik regarding whether the PTI founder had explicitly directed him to contact the establishment, Swati replied affirmatively. “Of course, and I have started this effort today in the name of Allah.”

He added that previous efforts to bridge the gap through then-President Arif Alvi and intermediaries close to Army Chief General Asim Munir had failed due to misunderstandings. “There was no deal, just a desire to talk,” Swati clarified.

In a reference to the 2022 political crisis, Swati said he had then engaged with the establishment but without any direct access. “I met no direct figure. We did not succeed. But now, I am trying again.”

“The founder said that for the country’s sake, he promises not to take revenge. Talks are not a sign of weakness,” Swati remarked.

The PTI leader maintained that the way forward should involve collective engagement, reiterating that the founder’s wisdom and reading of the political landscape gave him confidence.

Swati concluded by saying he believed the "process of change" had begun and hinted at the involvement of external actors. “Some friendly countries might also come forward — I have a sketch in my mind. Let’s see how it unfolds after the meeting.”