Imran Khan’s Quiet Phase Fuels Deal Speculation, No Confirmation Yet
Islamabad: A relief from the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the recent silence of PTI founder Imran Khan have fuelled speculation in political circles about whether a possible deal is in the making or whether easing of his legal and political restrictions is under consideration.
However, no such speculation has been confirmed. As far as his health issues are concerned, the government and other stakeholders have indicated no objection to providing medical facilities, as already assured to the Supreme Court by the attorney general. Due to multiple cases, Imran Khan has remained incarcerated and has been unable to issue any message for months, as he has not been allowed meetings with family members, party leaders, or lawyers.
Within PTI as well, uncertainty prevails over how Imran Khan might respond if he is again granted access to family or allowed to express himself freely.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a party leader admitted that predicting Imran Khan’s next move has never been easy. A senior PTI figure said that he has always acted according to what he considers a principled stance, but it is impossible to say what tone he would adopt if allowed to speak again.
In the past, Imran Khan used meetings with lawyers and family members to convey political messages, which were later shared publicly through media interactions or posts on X. His statements, particularly those directed at the senior military leadership, were often sharp and confrontational.
This approach is believed to have been a key reason behind restrictions imposed on meetings with family members, party leadership, and even lawyers at Adiala Jail. There is concern in various quarters that if meetings with family and party leaders are restored, he may again resume strong criticism through his sisters or party figures.
Meanwhile, some PTI leaders privately express hope that the current phase may signal a more cautious strategy. Observers have also closely watched recent meetings of Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, with certain relatives. However, one individual involved in facilitating these meetings told The News that they were arranged under strict conditions.
According to informed sources, the relatives were instructed to avoid political discussions during the meetings and refrain from speaking to the media afterward.
It is expected that if Imran Khan is allowed meetings with family members and party leaders, similar conditions would apply. The key question remains whether he would accept such restrictions.
It is believed that any reconciliation or significant relaxation for Imran Khan would require stakeholders to place trust in his words. However, deep mistrust and the PTI founder’s unpredictable temperament are seen as major obstacles. Uncertainty over his possible conduct has, in recent years, contributed to organisational challenges, internal rifts, and pressure within the party.
Informed circles say that a majority within PTI favours de-escalation to remain active in the political arena, but Imran Khan himself has often been a central hurdle. Whether he will now change his approach remains an open question, with no one inside the party able to say for certain.
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