Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed a proposed meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the detention and political future of Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan fell through, deepening political uncertainty in the country.
Speaking on ARY News, Chaudhry said talks were underway within government channels aimed at reducing political tensions linked to Imran Khan’s imprisonment. He described the breakdown of the proposed dialogue as a setback for efforts to create political space for engagement between the PTI and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N) government.
Fawad emphasized that while there was intent on both sides to ease tensions, a conducive environment for talks on Imran Khan was lacking. He said leadership capable of negotiating is largely incarcerated, citing names including Salman Akram Raja and Barrister Gohar, who he claimed lack direct access to the PTI founder.
The dispute over meetings is not isolated. In recent weeks, Pakistan’s political landscape has seen repeated instances where PTI leaders and allies were prevented from meeting Imran Khan in Adiala Jail by authorities, drawing criticism from opposition figures.
The failed negotiation mirrors broader challenges in 2024‑2025 PTI‑government dialogue efforts, which collapsed amid persistent mistrust and competing demands from both sides.
In a related context, the government is reportedly considering relocating the jailed PTI founder from Adiala to Kot Lakhpat Jail, a shift that could affect how meetings are scheduled and security protocols are enforced.
Fawad also highlighted the need for flexibility, stating that both the government and PTI must make concessions for dialogue to resume, otherwise political tensions over Imran Khan’s detention will persist, impacting national stability ahead of future elections.
