LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has stressed `the real power` that stands in the way of the constitution and democracy needs to engage in a dialogue with the party and find ways to restore democracy in the country.

Since political parties in the country have always picked-up crutches and sat in the lap of power, Mr Raja said, the party had also reached out to those powerless and reliant on external support, but they expressed their helplessness, saying that they needed to consult before agreeing on any demand, including party leaders` meeting with incarcerated party founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.

`The PTI had held four meetings with the PML-N and PPP leaders in January,` he added.

`The power has never been shifted to any political party, it remains with those who wield it,` said Mr Raja while speaking at a news conference at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday. He was flanked by Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, former governor Latif Khosa and other party leaders.

He said that any party that genuinely wanted to struggle for restoration of true democracy would be welcomed. Vehemently rejecting the idea that anyone within the party considered the minus-Imran Khan formula, Mr Raja said there was no concept of the PTI without Imran Khan as it was a democratic party standing around Mr Khan.

Answering a question about a protest outside Adiala Jail, the PTI secretary general said he could not respond immediately because such decisions were taken at a party forum. However, he added, the party would continue its struggle for restoration of democracy and constitution.

Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Mr Bhachar also spoke and criticised Punjab Assembly speaker`s action against 26 MPAs of the opposition for their right to protest in the assembly.

Former governor Latif Khosa said the judiciary was being packed to take fascism at its height and resolved that the PTI would continue fighting against thefascists.