Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has categorically rejected allegations by 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 allegations as baseless. “No such proposal has been made, nor is there any pressure for his release,” he said.
Asif clarified that the government has no involvement in decisions on Khan’s detention or transfer, stressing that such matters are solely within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.
The minister also accused PTI of fabricating narratives for political mileage. “These allegations are completely baseless and are part of PTI’s ongoing attempt 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 certainly am not a fortune teller to predict court outcomes.”
Asif criticized the PTI for its alleged attempts to destabilize the country and declared 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.
The defense minister’s remarks come in the wake of a statement by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, who claimed earlier this week that authorities had offered the former prime minister a deal to move him from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to his Banigala residence.
According to Aleema, the offers were allegedly made through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. She claimed her brother was repeatedly told to keep quiet in exchange for the transfer, but questioned how he could accept house arrest after serving jail time.
However, both the government and the PTI have rejected such offers.
Resumption of PIA’s EU flights
Meanwhile, the federal defense minister spoke about the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Paris after a four-year suspension, attributing the achievement to the collective efforts and prayers of overseas Pakistanis.
“PIA flights to France are just the beginning,” Asif said, revealing plans to expand flight operations to the UK, North America and 19 cities across Europe. He emphasized 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 several fronts, including political tensions with the PTI and the need to restore the country’s economic and social stability.
