Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has categorically denied allegations by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the government offered to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Bani Gala or put him under house arrest. .
At an event in Sialkot on Saturday, Asif dismissed the claims as baseless. “No proposal has been made in this regard, nor is there pressure for his release,” he said.
Asif clarified that the government is not involved in decisions regarding Khan’s detention or relocation, emphasizing that such matters fall exclusively within the purview of the judiciary.
The minister also accused the PTI of fabricating narratives for political purposes. “These claims are totally baseless and are part of the PTI’s continuous attempts to mislead the public,” he said.
He further added, “Imran Khan’s future will be decided by the courts, not the government. I have no connection with the judiciary and I am certainly not a fortune teller to predict court outcomes.”
Asif criticized the PTI for its alleged attempts to destabilize the country and stated that “all its efforts to harm Pakistan have failed.” He expressed the government’s determination to maintain political stability and ensure the rule of law.
Earlier on Tuesday, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan had alleged that her brother had been constantly presented with offers for backdoor deals, including one involving house arrest in Bani Gala.
Speaking to the media after visiting Imran Khan in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, he was reported to have claimed that former minister Ali Amin Gandapur presented the offer. However, he claimed that no one had directly approached Imran Khan with such proposals.
“From day one, Imran Khan has been offered these deals but no one has come directly to him. Ali Amin Gandapur put forward the offer of house arrest in Bani Gala,” Aleema Khan said. He further stated that his brother had also been advised to remain silent and refrain from speaking.
Aleema Khan claimed that her brother, who has been in prison for more than a year and a half, has rejected these alleged offers.
Resumption of PIA flights to the EU
Meanwhile, speaking about the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Paris after a four-year suspension, the federal defense minister attributed the achievement to the collective efforts and prayers of overseas Pakistanis.
“PIA’s flights to France are just the beginning,” Asif said, revealing plans to expand flight operations to include the UK, North America and 19 cities across Europe. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving connectivity of overseas Pakistanis, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
Asif’s comments come as the government continues to face challenges on multiple fronts, including political tensions with the PTI and the need to restore the country’s economic and social stability.
