Tensions Rise as Government-PTI Talks Hit Stalemate Over Imran Khan's Detention

Negotiations between Pakistan's government and PTI are stalled due to surveillance allegations and restricted access to jailed leader Imran Khan. PTI seeks unmonitored talks, while Khan's sister reveals a deal for house arrest. Khan petitions for basic rights, claiming political persecution amidst ongoing legal battles.

Negotiations between Pakistan's government and opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have encountered significant hurdles. Allegations of government interference and restrictions on PTI's access to its imprisoned leader, Imran Khan, have complicated discussions, according to a report by Dawn. Aleema Khan, sister of PTI's founding member Imran Khan, disclosed that the former prime minister was offered a deal to move from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to house arrest at his residence in Banigala.

On Tuesday, Aleema Khan stated that several offers had been conveyed to her brother through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. These proposals reportedly suggested that Imran Khan remain silent in return for house arrest. However, she questioned the viability of such a proposal after her brother's lengthy imprisonment. Despite denials from both the government and PTI about official offers for Imran Khan's transfer, Aleema's claims have added to the tense negotiation atmosphere.

PTI negotiators continue to demand 'unmonitored access' to their leader, as talks with the government persist. When negotiations resumed in late December, PTI representatives met with Imran Khan on Tuesday but were displeased with the conditions, mainly due to alleged meeting room surveillance. PTI leader Omar Ayub emphasized their demand for unrestricted access was denied by government officials. Ayub alleged spy equipment hampered open dialogue with Khan. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI's interim chairman, stressed resolving tensions and urged the government to avoid controversy over the lack of written demands from the opposition.

PTI has already outlined its key demands: releasing political prisoners and forming a judicial commission to investigate violence on past dates. Barrister Salman Akram Raja expressed concern over the government's refusal to allow unfettered access to Khan, seeing it as indicative of suspicious motives. Simultaneously, Imran Khan pursued legal channels to contest what he described as inhumane jail conditions. The former prime minister filed a petition in Islamabad's Special Judge Central Court, claiming jail officials denied fundamental rights, citing restrictions on contacting family, receiving medical care, and accessing media.

Imran Khan's legal representatives argued he was isolated, hindering his political engagement and resolve. The petition advocated permitting phone communication with his children, medical visits, and media access under jail provisions. In a related legal matter, Islamabad's Additional Sessions Court recently postponed the pre-arrest bail applications of Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, until January 28. The cases relate to charges from federal capital protests. The court granted Bushra Bibi an exemption from in-person hearings and will consider bail applications, including Khan's, in the next session, Dawn reported.

The court also mandated Khan's video presence for the upcoming hearing. With political talks and legal proceedings ongoing, the resolution remains uncertain, adding complexity to Pakistan's volatile political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)