Imran Khan offered house arrest in exchange for silence, claims sister

Aleema Khan, the sister of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, claimed on Tuesday that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, had conveyed an offer to transfer Khan from Adiala Jail to his residence at Bani Gala.

Speaking to reporters after her weekly visit to Adiala Jail, where Khan has been held for nearly two years, Aleema questioned the motive behind the proposal.

"Why should he go to Bani Gala after spending one and a half years inside a 7-foot cell? Are they [the establishment] trying to silence him by offering the luxury of house arrest?" she asked. "They just want him to keep his mouth shut and not show his face to anyone."

Stalled negotiations

The claim comes amid ongoing but fraught negotiations between Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the government. Both sides remain at odds on critical issues, including the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate events on May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.

"Imran Khan has been calling for the creation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incidents for the past two years," Aleema said. "An independent Joint Investigation Team under such a commission would be acceptable to all parties."

Govt accused of mandate theft

Sahibzada Hamid Raza, PTI's chief negotiator, recently told Nukta that the party is demanding legal mechanisms for releasing political detainees, including Khan.

"PML-N members are openly admitting they will only follow orders given to them," Aleema alleged, referring to the government’s negotiating team. "Some members even stole our mandate, yet they’re part of the negotiations."

She criticized the government’s unwillingness to include an audit of the February 2024 election in the negotiation agenda. "The government doesn’t appear serious about negotiations," she said.

Judiciary criticized

Aleema also expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan's judiciary. "Where else can we go? We can only approach the courts with hope," she said.

She accused certain judges of issuing "illegal and unconstitutional" verdicts against her brother and claimed those judges were being considered for elevation to superior courts.

Imran Khan has repeatedly called for a judicial commission comprising senior Supreme Court judges to oversee investigations into politically charged incidents.

Personal reflections

Aleema described her jail visit, sharing Khan's concern for family and friends. "During our meeting today, Imran Khan asked about recent family events and was saddened by the passing of Air Commodore Sajjad Haider, who had cast his ballot in uniform during the recent elections."

As political tensions continue to escalate, the PTI has maintained that resolving these issues is vital for any meaningful dialogue with the government.