PTI Says Imran Access Demand Caused Talks Deadlock

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf said on Sunday that the main reason for the breakdown of its talks with the federal government was the Centre’s refusal to include access to jailed party founder Imran Khan in a proposed agreement. The claim came after hours-long negotiations between an opposition delegation and a joint government-PPP team ended without a breakthrough.

The opposition delegation included PTI and Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan representatives. The talks were aimed at reducing political tensions, addressing the party’s protest plans, and discussing issues linked to Imran Khan’s imprisonment, his medical treatment, and the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In a statement issued on social media, PTI said the principal point of deadlock was its demand for immediate access to Imran so party leaders could consult him on national and political matters. The party said the government agreed to restore meetings between Imran and his family and lawyers from Tuesday, but did not agree to further measures related to his medical examination and treatment.

PTI said its negotiating team had offered to set aside other demands if the government agreed to the single request for access to Imran. According to the party, the government declined to make that access part of the proposed written agreement, preventing further progress in the talks.

The party also raised concerns over Imran’s health, saying access for family and legal meetings could not replace proper medical assessment and treatment. It sought his transfer to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and the formation of a suitable medical board, including his personal physician, for examination, diagnosis and treatment.

Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is serving a 14-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. Although a court order allows meetings with family, lawyers and associates twice a week, PTI says he has been restricted from meeting visitors for several months.

The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also discussed during the negotiations. PTI said the Centre sought the provincial government’s unconditional support for counterterrorism measures and emergency steps within 72 hours in merged districts and adjoining areas, while the party called for a broader consultative approach.

PTI said terrorism must be fought through firm action, but also through policies that protect civilian populations and account for local realities. It proposed a meeting within 72 hours between authorised federal and provincial representatives to build a mutually agreed strategy for peace and counterterrorism, with consultation involving political parties, elected representatives, tribal elders and other stakeholders.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar rejected PTI’s position and accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of failing to take effective action against terrorism. He alleged that the provincial government had delayed implementation of national counterterrorism measures, while PTI leaders said meaningful negotiations require flexibility, confidence and willingness to translate discussions into practical progress.