Govt hints at relocating jailed Imran Khan

Advisor to Prime Minister (PM) on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has hinted at the possibility of relocating jailed former premier Imran Khan in case of security or health concerns.

Speaking to a private media outlet, Sanaullah said that arrangements could be made under special provisions if any security or health issues arise.

“However, nothing of the sort has so far been discussed,” he clarified.

Sanaullah said that the decision to conduct the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder’s trial within jail premises was also made to ensure his safety. “If he [Imran Khan] is brought to the complex where courts are situated, it could be very dangerous,” he said, adding that it was also the reason why no one had objected to it.

When asked if the verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case against Khan had been deferred as part of the ongoing negotiations between the government and PTI, the former Punjab Law minister said the two had nothing to do with each other. The delay might have to do with the relevant judge’s unavailability, he added.

“We [incumbent government] and the PTI are on the same page that the verdict in this case will not affect the negotiations,” Sanaullah said.

It merits a mention that the government and the PTI have finally broken ice with negotiations formally starting to end the political deadlock that had been continuing for nearly three years.

Both PM Shehbaz Sharif and the jailed PTI founder have formed negotiation committees in a bid to end tensions surrounding the crackdown on the opposition party.

With talks continuing despite temporary setbacks, the former ruling party has so far put forth two key demands that include the formation of a judicial commission comprising to investigate the May 9, 2023, and November 24, 2024, events, besides the release of all the political prisoners.

The talks had hit a roadblock amid the PTI’s refusal to submit its demands in writing without discussing it with party founder Khan amid an alleged ban on his meetings with the negotiation committee in jail.

With the members of the PTI committee meeting Khan earlier this week, they were permitted to the submit their demands in writing, ending the deadlock.

While a third round of talks is still awaited, the government has also asked the PTI to provide names of jailed party workers for discussion on their potential release from jail.

Separately, unverified reports have also claimed backchannel talks between the PTI leadership and state authorities for the provision of relief to the incarcerated former PM as well.