In a political climate already filled with uncertainties, rumors of a possible meeting between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and jailed PTI founder Imran Khan have stirred debate across Pakistan. But key political figures, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, have brushed off the speculation, calling it baseless and illogical.
Appearing on a private TV channel, Khawaja Asif questioned the possibility of Nawaz Sharif holding talks with the PTI founder. “Why would Nawaz Sharif go to meet the PTI? Explain the logic,” he said, recalling a past encounter where, according to him, Imran Khan had once requested Rs4 million during a meeting at Bani Gala. Asif sarcastically added, “Let’s hope no demands are made this time.”
The defence minister didn’t stop there. Referring to the overall political context, he suggested that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) might join the federal government once more. Asif termed this prospect as being “in the best interest of the country” since earlier coalition governments had worked so effectively.
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He also made reference to unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, blaming a combination of “elected and unelected” to cause instability. In his own words, “The PTI is playing a drama,” likening the party’s inner disarray to “mutanjan” — a dessert made of different varieties of rice whereby one can’t distinguish between the ingredients.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also made a comment regarding Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with Imran Khan. Addressing the annual ghusl ceremony of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh’s shrine in Lahore, Dar ruled out the rumours. “Nawaz Sharif meeting the PTI founder is just a rumor. This might be someone’s desire, but not an actuality,” he declared.
From the PTI camp, the response was equally firm. Party leaders denied any formal request for talks with Nawaz Sharif. They emphasized that no proposal had been received and any decision on such a meeting would rest solely with their jailed founder.
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PTI insiders remained skeptical of reconciliation efforts, citing alleged manipulation of reserved seats and what they called “horse trading.” According to them, genuine dialogue is impossible unless the government changes the political ground realities.
Rana Sanaullah, a senior PML-N figure and advisor to the Prime Minister, also addressed the matter in a separate TV interview. He firmly ruled out any possibility of Nawaz Sharif visiting Adiala Jail or Bani Gala. “Nawaz Sharif believes in political dialogue, but he is not going to jail to convince anyone,” Sanaullah said, reinforcing Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to democratic values. He described speculation about such a meeting as disrespectful.
Adding to the chorus, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja dismissed the reports as mere speculation. “These are just rumours,” he said, closing the door on the swirling claims for now.
