Imran Khan Rejected Two Deal Attempts, Claims Sharif Aide

Pakistan’s already tense political climate has intensified after a senior aide to Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that jailed former premier Imran Khan was offered a political “deal” on two separate occasions but declined both efforts. The disclosure has renewed debate over Khan’s incarceration, the government’s strategy, and the broader struggle for political stability in the country.

Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated during a television talk show that two serious attempts were made to negotiate with the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) . The first initiative was reportedly led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and then Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur before November 26, 2024. A second attempt, Sanaullah said, involved intermediaries from abroad in recent months. According to him, Khan initially appeared willing to consider an arrangement but later withdrew. Sanaullah maintained that the government seeks a political resolution , but alleged that Khan insists the current administration must step down before any settlement can be reached.

He also defended Nawaz Sharif , the three-time prime minister and head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) , saying that his past negotiations with the military establishment reflected political pragmatism and helped chart a way forward for his party.

The claims were swiftly countered by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar , who stated on social media that there is no deal or leniency being offered to Khan. He dismissed any suggestion of concessions as false and reiterated that Khan is a convicted criminal under the law.

Alongside the political controversy, concerns over Khan’s health have intensified. His family and party leaders have requested that he be allowed eye treatment at Shifa Hospital in Islamabad under the supervision of his personal physicians. His lawyer, Salman Safdar , informed the Supreme Court that the 73-year-old leader has lost 85 percent vision in his right eye while in custody. Khan’s sister, Noreen Khan , alleged that he is facing severe mistreatment in prison and accused the military leadership of presiding over an illegitimate system of governance.

The former cricket star-turned-politician has been imprisoned since August 2023 in multiple cases. His arrest and continued detention have triggered protests, deepened political polarization, and intensified friction between the civilian government, the powerful military establishment, and PTI supporters. As competing narratives unfold — ranging from negotiation claims to health concerns — Khan’s fate remains central to Pakistan’s evolving political crisis and the search for stability in one of South Asia’s most volatile democracies.