Information minister says ‘no deal, no leniency’ for Imran Khan

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday refuted media reports suggesting a potential “deal” for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

In a statement, the minister clarified that there is neither any deal nor any leniency being offered to Imran. He maintained that any impression of the government granting relaxation is entirely false.

“Imran Khan is a convicted criminal as per the courts; reports of leniency are baseless and devoid of any truth,” the minister added.

Imran, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, is currently serving a 14-year sentence at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail following his conviction in the £190 million corruption reference. This follows a separate conviction earlier involving the illegal sale of state gifts also known as Toshakhana case. Additionally, the PTI founder remains embroiled in multiple pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the violent riots of May 9, 2023.

READ MORE: Barrister Gohar did not show up for Imran Khan’s medical exam: Naqvi

Tarar’s statement apparently comes in response to Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah’s remarks suggesting a deal was offered to Imran.

In an interview with a local news channel, Rana Sana on Wednesday said: “Neither Imran Khan is ready for any deal, nor the ruling government can fulfill Imran’s conditions in this regard.”

Two serious efforts have been made for making a way out, he added, terming the former prime minister’s adamant attitude non-political. The PTI should not blame anybody as the path they have chosen is their own choice, he maintained.

Leaders and supporters of embattled PTI have been facing different charges in numerous cases related to the May 9 violent protests and clashes that broke out across Pakistan in 2023.

The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers were agitated due to their then party chief’s arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order.

Imran, who has been in prison since 2023 facing charges of corruption, land fraud and disclosure of official secrets, is being tried separately on similar charges related to the riots.

The former PM’s family members have also faced legal battles for their alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents.