Pakistan jailed ex-PM Imran accepts government's offer for talks: Report

In a major political development, incarcerated Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has agreed to initiate dialogue with the government, following a recent offer extended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, said a report.

Quoting informed sources, the report said that Imran gave the go-ahead for talks to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali, who met him at the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.

The former premier, however, expressed a strong preference that these talks be conducted away from the glare of television cameras to ensure meaningful outcomes.

PTI insiders say the party will now formally approach the government to proceed with the dialogue. The party believes past efforts at negotiations faltered under media scrutiny and are, therefore, advocating for a more discreet and focused approach this time.

Barrister Gohar Ali confirmed that he had conveyed the prime minister’s offer to Imran Khan. However, he declined to share details of the discussion or the direction taken by Imran Khan. "I can’t divulge what was discussed between us,” he said.

The development follows Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s recent speech on the floor of the National Assembly, where he invited PTI to join a national dialogue. While Barrister Gohar Ali welcomed the proposal at the time, party circles had made it clear that no progress could be made without Imran Khan’s explicit consent.

Sources within PTI also revealed that Imran Khan wants the talks to have the backing of the military establishment. One source added that Imran Khan is even open to meeting with a representative of the establishment to facilitate the process.

The move comes amid growing calls for political reconciliation in the country following the recent misadventure by India. Whether this behind-the-scenes dialogue will lead to a breakthrough remains to be seen.

Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali told reporters that there is a need for dialogue to address political matters, adding that all such issues should be resolved through talks.

He reaffirmed his party's stance on seeking reconciliation through political means rather than confrontation.

He distanced the party from any behind-the-scenes arrangements, stating categorically that "no deal has been made” with any quarters regarding Imran Khan.

"I completely deny reports that the PTI founder has entered into any deal,” he said, stressing that political negotiation is the only acceptable path forward. "Imran Khan has never shared his internal discussions publicly, and I will continue to uphold that confidentiality.”