Several offers made with the suggestion that Imran Khan remain silent, says Aleema

ANI ISLAMABAD

Talks between the Pakistani government and opposition parties, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf  (PTI) party, have hit a roadblock, with allegations of government interference and restrictions on the party's access to its jailed leader, Imran Khan, Dawn reported.

Aleema Khan, Imran’s sister, recently revealed that the former Prime Minister was offered a deal to move from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail to house arrest at his Banigala residence.

In a statement on Tuesday, Aleema Khan claimed that several offers had been relayed to her brother via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. These offers, she said, came with the suggestion that Imran Khan remain silent, possibly in exchange for house arrest. However, she questioned how could her brother accept such a deal after spending so long in jail.

Last week, both the government and PTI denied any official offer of transferring Imran Khan to Banigala or any other location. Aleema's claims have added to the already tense situation surrounding the negotiations.

Despite the high-stakes nature of these discussions, PTI negotiators have been pushing for "unmonitored access" to their leader, as talks continue with the government. After negotiations resumed in late December, PTI representatives met Imran Khan on Tuesday but were dissatisfied with the conditions, particularly the alleged surveillance of the meeting room.

PTI leader Omar Ayub made it clear that the team had specifically requested unmonitored access, but government representatives had denied the request. Ayub claimed that the presence of spy equipment hindered their discussions with the jailed leader, preventing open and candid dialogue.