The government is reportedly considering offering Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan a deal involving house arrest, on the condition that he refrains from challenging the existing political system.
A key member of the coalition government’s negotiation team, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that there would be no compromise regarding the events of May 9. The government intends to remain in power until 2029. However, the source indicated that Imran Khan could be transferred from Adiala Jail to his residence in Bani Gala if he agrees to accept the current system and abandon confrontational politics.
The source added that while the government has no preconditions for dialogue, its position on critical issues remains firm. Meanwhile, the PTI is expected to present its formal demands during a meeting scheduled for January 2 between the two committees. The PTI’s priorities include the release of its detained leaders and workers, particularly Imran Khan, and restoring him to power. In contrast, the government insists that individuals facing serious charges, including Khan, must resolve their cases through the judiciary.
Senator Irfan Siddiqi, when contacted, denied any discussions within the PML-N committee or with allied members about relocating Imran Khan to Bani Gala. He stated that he was unaware of any such considerations in backchannel talks. Siddiqi reiterated the government’s stance that it would address the PTI’s formal proposals in the upcoming meeting.
He further disclosed that during an earlier meeting on the release of political prisoners, the government committee reminded the PTI that during its tenure, no politicians in custody were released through executive orders. Many members of the current government committee had been jailed under the PTI government and were only released through judicial processes.
Siddiqi noted that the government committee aims to avoid raising person-specific or party-specific issues in its discussions with the PTI. Instead, it seeks political consensus on broader, national matters, such as a Charter of Economy, a renewed Charter of Democracy, a unified counterterrorism strategy, and establishing boundaries for political protests.