ISLAMABAD: Backchannel contacts between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the authorities are progressing within limited parameters, with any relief for party founder Imran Khan or a change in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government excluded from the discussions, sources familiar with the engagement have said.
The recent contacts, which reportedly helped secure the release of Imran Khan’s two sisters, have opened a channel for communication. However, sources said the authorities were not willing to reconsider their stance on the former prime minister’s situation or the existing political setup in KP.
According to the sources, a proposal for restoring Sohail Afridi as chief minister is also not under consideration. They maintained that any possible understanding would have to remain confined to matters that do not affect Imran Khan’s political and legal position or the provincial government’s status.
The situation surrounding Bushra Bibi, however, is being treated differently. Sources said her case and possible relief could form part of the ongoing discussions, with shifting her to Banigala among the options that may be explored.
However, the possibility of transferring Imran Khan to Banigala has been categorically ruled out for now.
“There is no such option for Imran Khan, at least at this stage,” a source familiar with the discussions said.
The involvement of Imran Khan’s sisters in the backchannel engagement is being viewed as an important development amid prolonged tensions between the PTI and the authorities.
Sources claimed that the sisters had given assurances that they would avoid political activities capable of intensifying confrontation and refrain from targeting the military leadership or the establishment.
The understanding, they said, was aimed at preventing further escalation and keeping communication channels open.
Their participation has created some space for discussions on family-related matters and other limited issues, but has not resulted in any shift in the authorities’ position on the major political questions.
For now, the engagement appears focused on exploring possible concessions in Bushra Bibi’s case and other restricted areas, rather than securing relief for Imran Khan or changing the political arrangement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
