Chances of Any “Deal or Relief” for Imran Khan Are Zero, Claims Informed Source
ISLAMABAD: Journalist and analyst Ansar Abbasi has reported, citing a highly informed source, that there is “zero” possibility of any kind of “deal or relief” for former prime minister Imran Khan, while reports of differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir have also been categorically rejected.
According to a report published by The News, the source, who closely monitors political and government developments, dismissed both possibilities as “zero.” The remarks come amid intense speculation following a Supreme Court order concerning medical treatment for Imran Khan.
Imran Khan was expected to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, but instead he was transferred to PIMS and was subsequently sent back to Adiala Jail. The development triggered speculation in political circles about whether the matter was linked to a possible “deal or relief” for the PTI founder.
Ansar Abbasi wrote that when the source was specifically asked whether there was any possibility of a deal or relief for Imran Khan, the response was brief and unequivocal: “Zero.”
The source was then asked about reports and speculation regarding differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. The response was again: “Zero.”
The source said that such speculation was not unusual in Pakistan, where political and military developments have historically been viewed through the familiar lens of “deals,” “relief” or differences between the civilian government and the military establishment.
According to the report, whenever an unusual political development takes place, speculation immediately emerges that a behind-the-scenes agreement may have been reached or that a rift has developed among the leadership.
The source, however, stressed that the current political and institutional arrangement should not be viewed through the lens of Pakistan’s past.
Referring to the political system that took shape around three to four years ago, the source said the relationship between the civilian government led by Shehbaz Sharif and the military leadership was “completely different” from the patterns witnessed in the past.
The source maintained that many reports currently circulating reflect the wishes or expectations of certain individuals rather than ground realities, and have no basis in the present circumstances.
