US-based businessmen, doctors meet Imran Khan in jail: report

A group of Pakistani doctors and businessmen based in the United States (US) met with a senior official in Islamabad and the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, a daily Urdu newspaper reported on Monday.

According to the outlet, the meeting was part of efforts by PTI and its supporters to secure some form of relief for the incarcerated former premier Imran Khan.

These backchannel efforts are separate from earlier behind-the-scenes negotiations held between PTI and relevant quarters. However, claims suggest that the party's backchannel talks with the establishment may resume, though no progress has been made so far.

A media outlet reported that the success of such efforts largely depends on PTI’s social media behaviour and Khan’s own stance. PTI’s social media platforms, along with its overseas chapters—particularly those in the US and UK—have consistently targeted the military and its top leadership.

Meanwhile, in his lengthy video statement recounting his recent meeting with Imran Khan, PTI leader Azam Khan Swati claims the party leader had tasked him with reaching out to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir following the latter’s appointment in 2022 to open the door for negotiations.

Swati shared that after his meeting with the jailed Imran Khan, he reached out to a close associate of Gen Munir and a renowned anchorperson but to no avail.

Swati further stated that if the establishment is prepared to negotiate, Imran Khan is still willing to come to the table, adding that he had Khan’s blessing to initiate talks to secure his freedom.

He quoted Khan as saying, “If they are ready for talks, I am willing — like I was from day one.”

Swati also shared that he had repeatedly told the party leader he had “Khotay sikkay” (mutilated coins) in his pocket.

Without naming anyone, Swati criticised “certain vloggers and anchors for selling a false story”.

Hitting out at those claiming that Imran Khan had given him a “shut-up call” for proposing talks with the establishment, Swati maintained that no one had made more sacrifices, apart from martyrs, than he and his family.

“I have faced torture, and I have shared all details with Imran Khan. I am the one who cared about the 1,100 workers in jail and made efforts to secure their bails,” he added.