Rawalpindi, December 30, 2024: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has categorically denied seeking any deal with the government, stating, “Why would I enter into a deal after spending one-and-a-half years in jail?”
This statement was shared by his sister, Aleema Khan, while speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Monday. Imran Khan, 72, has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being convicted in the Toshakhana case-I, one of several cases registered against him following his ouster from office in April 2022.
Aleema Khan, who has recently taken an active role in PTI’s political affairs, said the former prime minister remains resolute in fighting his legal battles. She added that Khan has refused any offers of house arrest in Bani Gala and has questioned why charges against PTI leaders who left the party were dropped.
“Imran Khan believes the May 9 events were part of a conspiracy to crush the PTI,” Aleema stated, reiterating his demand for a judicial probe into both the May 9 riots and the November 26 crackdown. Khan also called for the release of all political prisoners detained during the unrest.
PTI Senator Shibli Faraz dismissed what he termed a “false perception” that Khan was seeking personal relief in negotiations with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition government. Faraz clarified that the PTI’s position in the talks is centered on broader political issues, including the release of political prisoners, and not on individual concessions for Khan.
The government and PTI resumed negotiations last week in an effort to ease political tensions in the country. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who chaired the initial talks, confirmed that discussions were productive and that the PTI would present its charter of demands in the next session scheduled for January 2.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar reiterated the government’s stance that the talks aim to bring political stability to the country and are not intended to provide any individual with relief or immunity. Tarar added that the government remains open to cooperation with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration on all sectors.
Imran Khan’s incarceration and ongoing legal challenges continue to be a focal point in Pakistan’s political landscape, with PTI insisting on judicial fairness and accountability across the board.
