Deal
ISLAMABAD: Amid ongoing negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) aimed at reducing political tensions, PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat has made a startling claim regarding an alleged “deal” to relocate jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.
Speaking on the program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Marwat revealed that government representatives, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and officials from the establishment had proposed moving Imran Khan to the Governor House in Nathia Gali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Marwat, the PTI leadership declined the offer. “The government and establishment tabled the offer to move Imran to Nathia Gali, but PTI rejected the deal,” he asserted.
This allegation follows a similar claim made by Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, who stated a day earlier that a separate offer was made to relocate Khan to his residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad, where he could serve the remainder of his jail term.
Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Chaudhry explained, “[Imran] Khan said he was offered to be moved to Bani Gala, but he refused, emphasizing that he would not consider any relocation until all political detainees held without trial are released.”
Reports of potential “deals” have surfaced amidst an ongoing dialogue process between PTI and the federal government.
These talks, aimed at finding common ground, saw PTI put forward two key initial demands: the release of all political prisoners and the establishment of a commission to investigate events from May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.
Marwat claimed that Imran Khan was directly approached on multiple occasions with assurances of his release by December 20. However, during the negotiations, PTI’s representatives hesitated to submit their demands in writing, stating they needed prior consultation with their leader.
The negotiations have occurred alongside growing tensions, with PTI threatening to initiate a civil disobedience movement if their demands remain unmet. Last month, Imran Khan called on his supporters to begin the movement by withholding remittances as a first step.
Despite these challenges, a second round of talks between PTI and government representatives recently concluded in what National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq described as a “cordial environment.”
The PTI negotiating team has stressed the need for frequent consultations with their incarcerated leader to finalize their charter of demands. The party has also set a deadline, stating that the talks must conclude by the end of January.
