Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has categorically denied allegations from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the government offered to transfer former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Bani Gala or place him under house arrest.
Speaking at an event in Sialkot on Saturday, Asif dismissed the claims as baseless. “No such proposal has been made, nor is there any pressure for his release,” he stated.
Asif clarified that the government has no involvement in decisions regarding Khan’s detention or relocation, stressing that such matters are solely within the judiciary’s jurisdiction.
The minister also accused PTI of fabricating narratives for political mileage. “These claims are entirely unfounded and are part of PTI’s ongoing attempts to mislead the public,” he said.
He further added, “Imran Khan’s future will be decided by the courts, not by the government. I have no connection with the judiciary and am certainly not a fortune-teller to predict court outcomes.”
Asif criticised PTI for its alleged attempts to destabilise the country, declaring that “all their efforts to harm Pakistan have failed.” He expressed the government’s resolve to maintain political stability and ensure the rule of law.
Earlier on Tuesday, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, had reportedly alleged that her brother has consistently been presented with offers for backdoor deals, including one involving house arrest at Bani Gala.
Speaking to the media after visiting Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, she was reported to have claimed that former minister Ali Amin Gandapur brought forward the offer. However, she stated that no one had approached Imran Khan directly with such proposals.
“Since day one, Imran Khan has been offered these deals, but no one has come to him directly. Ali Amin Gandapur brought the offer for house arrest at Bani Gala,” Aleema Khan said. She further claimed that her brother had also been advised to remain silent and refrain from speaking out.
Aleema Khan asserted that her brother, who has been imprisoned for over a year and a half, has rejected these alleged offers.
Resumption of PIA’s EU flights
Meanwhile talking about the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Paris after a four-year suspension, the federal defence minister attributed the achievement to the collective efforts and prayers of overseas Pakistanis.
“PIA flights to France are only the beginning,” Asif said, revealing plans to expand flight operations to include the United Kingdom, North America, and 19 cities across Europe. He emphasised the government’s commitment to improving connectivity for overseas Pakistanis, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
Asif’s remarks come as the government continues to face challenges on multiple fronts, including political tensions with PTI and the need to restore the country’s economic and social stability.
