Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has hinted at the possibility of relocating incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan if security or health issues warrant such a move.
Speaking in an interview on a private news channel, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said that Imran's trials were being conducted within jail premises to ensure his safety.
"If he is brought to the complex where anti-terrorism courts or high courts are situated, then it could be very dangerous," Sanaullah said, adding that the decision was made with security considerations in mind.
He further noted, "Arrangements could be made for special provisions, should security or health issues arise. However, nothing like this has been discussed so far."
He said continuing dialogue with the opposition would help strengthen the democratic and political system of the country. Political forces sitting in the government should continue dialogue with PTI to resolve political issues, he added.
Sanaullah's remarks come in the wake of a statement by Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, who claimed earlier this week that authorities had offered the former premier a deal to move him from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to his residence in Banigala.
According to Aleema, the offers were reportedly made through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. She alleged that her brother was repeatedly asked to remain silent in exchange for the transfer but questioned how he could accept house arrest after enduring jail time.
However, both the government and PTI have denied any such offers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur corroborated Sanaullah's comments regarding negotiations with Imran Khan. He confirmed that a meeting between the PTI founder and the government's negotiation committee had been delayed due to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq's absence from the country.
Now that Sadiq has returned, Gandapur stated that the meeting is expected soon, adding that individual discussions with Khan are ongoing.
Separately, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat urged both sides to exercise caution, warning that incendiary remarks could derail the ongoing negotiations. "If the committee cannot meet Khan, they should convene nonetheless to maintain momentum," he advised.
After months of escalating political tensions, the coalition government and the PTI initiated dialogue last month. The PTI's preliminary demands included the release of all "political prisoners" and a judicial probe into the events of May 9 and November 26.
During the second round of talks chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PTI sought more frequent access to Imran Khan to finalize a "charter of demands."
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