Too early to talk of any relief or deal for Imran

ISLAMABAD: Despite swirling rumours in political circles, no deal or concession has yet been extended to Imran Khan or his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Far from being recipients of an offer, it is the PTI leadership itself that is quietly working behind the scenes, seeking to open a backchannel dialogue with both the government and establishment.

While public statements remain firm and defiant, no formal dialogue has begun -- largely because Khan and his close allies insist that any process remain hidden from the media spotlight. Maintaining secrecy is seen as crucial to avoid backlash from both supporters and internal critics. However, it has also led to mixed signals from within PTI’s own ranks.

Notably, Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, denied reports that the former prime minister had responded positively to an offer for dialogue from the current Premier Shehbaz Sharif. Her firm dismissal of any such engagement has only deepened the confusion.

According to informed sources, a significant moment occurred last week when PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, accompanied by other lawyers, met Khan in jail. During the meeting, Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, requested the other lawyers to step outside, wanting to discuss something privately with Khan and Gohar.

What transpired in that private exchange remains a mystery. But according to some senior PTI figures, Gohar later told them that Khan had given go-ahead to the idea of backchannel talks. More importantly, Gohar reportedly conveyed to these party leaders that Khan was open to meeting a representative of the establishment.

This revelation has thrown the party into a state of uncertainty. With Aleema Khan’s public denial clashing with Gohar’s private briefing, PTI leaders are now trying to secure another meeting with Khan to resolve the contradictions. The aim is to determine once and for all whether a secret dialogue channel can be officially initiated, or whether the leadership remains stuck between public defiance and private negotiation.

PTI Information Secretary PTI Shaikh Waqas Akram, when contacted, said that presently there are no talks, including backchannel, between the PTI and the government or establishment. To a question relating to Imran Khan’s reported willingness to meet any representative of the establishment in Adiala jail, Shaikh said that meetings in Adiala jail are not regulated by Khan. He said that even now, only those persons could meet Khan who are allowed by “them”. Khan’s choice, Waqas explained, doesn’t matter.