The negotiation process between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the government has reached a critical impasse following conflicting statements regarding an alleged offer for Imran Khan’s release. The situation has been further strained by a recent scathing tweet from the PTI chairman, intensifying tensions between the two sides.

Conflicting Statements on Release Offer

Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, recently claimed during a media interaction that an offer for his release was made during the November 26 sit-in through PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, suggesting a potential December release. However, Gandapur categorically denied any such communication from the government.

Adding to the confusion, PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat alleged that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had sent a message offering Imran Khan’s release by December 20, only to withdraw the proposal after subsequent political events. Barrister Gohar, Imran Khan’s legal counsel, refuted this claim as well, stating that no such offer was ever extended. “Negotiations with Mohsin Naqvi’s team had not even commenced before November 26. How could there be any talk of transferring Imran Khan to Bani Gala?” he questioned, dismissing these allegations as baseless.

Negotiation Stalemate

The government has expressed frustration over these conflicting narratives, citing them as a major reason for the stalled negotiations. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labelled PTI’s claims as “utterly false,” maintaining that no discussions on Imran Khan’s release ever occurred.

Asif further accused PTI of lobbying with the U.S. administration to secure a deal for Imran Khan, commonly referred to as an NRO, while fabricating stories to pressure the Pakistani government and sway public sentiment.

Imran Khan’s Anti-Establishment Tweets

Imran Khan’s recent posts on X (formerly Twitter) have added fuel to the fire. In these tweets, he accused the judiciary of delaying the £190 million case as part of a broader effort to exert undue pressure on him. He further criticised the current political environment, comparing it to past martial law regimes, particularly General Yahya Khan’s tenure.

Khan also lashed out at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling him a “puppet” and describing the current government as an illegitimate regime born out of electoral manipulation. Analysts believe these inflammatory statements are an attempt to derail ongoing negotiations and rally public support for PTI.

Negotiation Conditions and Deadlock

The next round of talks, originally planned for the first week of January, has been indefinitely postponed. While the government has demanded written demands from PTI, the latter has refused, insisting on a first meeting with Imran Khan. PTI’s negotiation team claims that despite assurances, they have yet to meet their chairman, resulting in the deadlock.

Barrister Gohar expressed optimism that the process could move forward after a meeting with Imran Khan. However, he reiterated that no discussions about his release, house arrest, or relocation have taken place at any stage of the talks.

Political Fallout

Political analysts warn that the mistrust and provocative rhetoric from both sides could render future negotiations futile. Imran Khan’s recent anti-government and anti-military stance appears calculated to undermine the dialogue process, further deepening the political divide.

The ongoing stalemate underscores the fragility of Pakistan’s political landscape, with both sides showing little willingness to compromise, leaving the country’s future in uncertain territory.