ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, reacted to reports regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s potential transfer to his residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad.

Addressing reporters in Islamabad, Rana Sanaullah denied the claims about a deal to move Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Bani Gala, stating that, to the best of his knowledge, no such offer had been made. Sanaullah emphasized the importance of resolving political issues through dialogue, referencing the positive stance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on this matter. He also addressed the issue raised by PTI’s Omar Ayub regarding the release of party workers, clarifying that the release of prisoners is under the jurisdiction of the higher courts and not the government’s authority.

When questioned about the pardon granted to some individuals involved in the May 9 incident, Rana Sanaullah explained that the military has its own procedures for issuing pardons and that such decisions were not directly linked to ongoing political negotiations. This clarification came after Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhary, had claimed that a deal was offered for the PTI founder’s transfer to Bani Gala. The statement from Rana Sanaullah coincided with a broader political context, as PTI was preparing to present a ‘Charter of Demands’ in the third round of talks with the government. The PTI committee reiterated its demand for the release of Imran Khan and all party workers, as well as a judicial commission to investigate the events surrounding May 9 and November 26. The committee also indicated that further consultations with the PTI founder would take place before finalizing their demands for the upcoming meeting. In addition, PTI has urged the government to avoid filing new cases against political prisoners and to ensure that pending cases are resolved fairly in accordance with the law. The party made it clear that it would not hesitate to launch a protest movement if its demands were not addressed. PTI has set a deadline for the completion of talks, aiming for negotiations to conclude by January 31, 2025. Outside Adiala Jail, PTI’s SIC head, Hamid Raza, stated that Imran Khan had expressed confidence in the negotiating committee’s efforts to resolve the ongoing political issues with the government. The political dialogue between PTI and the government continues, with both sides working to address the various demands and concerns.