Pakistani-American tycoon Tanweer Ahmed claims he held several meetings with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail last November in an effort to broker a breakthrough with the government. However, Khan ultimately chose to pursue his demands through a march on Islamabad, Geo News reported on Sunday.

 

Following Imran Khan’s ‘final call’ on November 24, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with Bushra Bibi, led the march towards Islamabad, demanding the release of political prisoners, the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and other measures.

 

The march ended when security forces launched a crackdown against demonstrators on the night of 26 November in Islamabad, using tear gas canisters to disperse the crowds.

 

“We held extensive talks over several sessions in November last year. Khan was in good health. I asked him whether he was aware of the kind of atmosphere cyber warriors had created outside in his name, that he was being tortured. I told him about the polarisation and division that existed outside. I said that he had played a role in creating this division, and that he should now play a role in ending it,” Ahmed told Geo News in London.

 

According to the tycoon, Khan was visibly concerned about the situation outside prison, and it seemed he was not receiving accurate information.

 

“Imran Khan was worried. It was clear he was not fully aware of what was happening beyond the prison walls and had no truthful picture of events. We discussed many matters over several days. These were productive meetings. We agreed on the need to end polarisation and division in society. We discussed how hatred and negativity were harming Pakistan, and how, as patriotic Pakistanis, we must unite the youth and work for the country’s progress,” Ahmed said.

 

He did not disclose who facilitated the meetings with Khan, but maintained that the due legal process was followed.

 

According to Geo News, Ahmed was part of the American-Pakistani delegation that met Imran Khan in Adiala Jail earlier this year for sensitive discussions. He was also part of a delegation that travelled from the US to Pakistan in March to help resolve the political deadlock between Khan and the country’s powerful establishment.

 

Ahmed explained that the aim of the meetings was to break the deadlock and move towards reconciliation. “I am apolitical. I am not affiliated with any political party or person [...] When I spoke to Khan, it was all about Pakistan, putting Pakistan first.”

 

He claimed the discussions had been progressing well until Khan decided to get his demands met through street protests instead.

 

“I told Imran Khan that this would not help him or his mission. I reminded him that, under his own government, such actions would have been labelled anarchy.”

 

Geo News quoted trusted sources as saying that Khan decided to end talks with the American-Pakistani delegation after becoming convinced that November’s march would succeed. He hoped that street agitation and public reaction would determine his fate, sending a stern message to government officials.

 

Tanweer Ahmed has been a friend and donor of Imran Khan for nearly two decades, and he expressed regret that the former prime minister had been poorly advised by his inner circle. “They made him take decisions that have only jeopardised his chances,” he said.