Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has hinted at the possibility of relocating imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan if security or health issues justify such a move.
In an interview on a private news channel, senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that Imran’s trials were being held inside the jail premises to ensure his safety. .
“If they take him to the complex where the anti-terrorism courts or high courts are located, then it could be very dangerous,” Sanaullah said, adding that the decision was made keeping in mind security considerations.
He further noted that “special provisions could be made in case safety or health problems arise. However, nothing like that has been discussed so far.”
He said continuing dialogue with the opposition would help strengthen the country’s democratic and political system. The political forces that are part of the government should continue dialogue with the PTI to resolve political problems, he added.
Sanaullah’s comments come in the wake of a statement by Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, who claimed earlier this week that authorities had offered the former prime minister a deal to transfer him from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to his residence in Banigala.
According to Aleema, the offers were allegedly made through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. He alleged that his brother was repeatedly asked to remain silent in exchange for the transfer, but questioned how he could accept house arrest after enduring a prison sentence.
However, both the government and the PTI have denied such offers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur corroborated Sanaullah’s comments on negotiations with Imran Khan. He confirmed that a meeting between the PTI founder and the government’s negotiating committee had been delayed due to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s absence from the country.
Now that Sadiq has returned, Gandapur said the meeting is expected soon, adding that individual talks are underway with Khan.
Separately, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat urged both sides to proceed with caution and warned that inflammatory comments could derail the ongoing negotiations. “If the committee cannot meet with Khan, it should meet anyway to keep the momentum going,” he advised.
After months of escalating political tensions, the coalition government and the PTI began a dialogue last month. The PTI’s preliminary demands included the release of all “political prisoners” and a judicial inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26.
During the second round of talks chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PTI sought more frequent access to Imran Khan to finalize a “charter of demands”.
