Who Proposed Moving Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Bani Gala?
Imran Khan’s claim about being offered a deal to serve the remainder of his jail time at his Bani Gala residence has sparked speculation, but no clear answers have emerged regarding the source of the offer. The claim has not been linked to either formal dialogues or backchannel negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sources familiar with backchannel discussions revealed that PTI had previously requested Khan’s transfer to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during informal talks in November last year. However, the government reportedly declined the request. It was suggested that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was eager to facilitate the transfer, though Gandapur himself denied making such a demand, stating, “I don’t know why my name is unnecessarily dragged into this.”
Recently, Faisal Chaudhry, Khan’s lawyer, confirmed to reporters outside Adiala Jail that Khan mentioned an offer to move to Bani Gala but refused to consider it unless those detained without trial were released. However, PTI leadership has not provided any clarification or details regarding this claim. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, a PTI official, dismissed reports of such an offer, asserting that Khan views his incarceration as illegal and would not entertain such a proposal.
While some government insiders have speculated that shifting Khan to Bani Gala could be considered as part of a broader deal—such as ensuring political stability until 2029, refraining from agitation, and avoiding criticism of the military and economy—this idea has not been formally discussed. Senator Irfan Siddiqi, a key member of the government’s negotiating team, stated that no such option has been deliberated within their ranks.
