Imran Khan’s family joins backchannel contacts with authorities

Members of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's family have reportedly become directly involved in backchannel contacts between his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the authorities, raising hopes of a possible easing of political tensions.

ISLAMABAD: Members of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s family have reportedly become directly involved in backchannel contacts between his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the authorities, raising hopes of a possible easing of political tensions.

The contacts are aimed at addressing issues involving Khan, his family and the PTI through dialogue, rather than continued confrontation, The News reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

The sources said the contacts had made some progress, including the facilitation of a meeting involving members of Khan’s family and his sisters. They also said at least two of his sisters could be released in the coming days, although no formal announcement or confirmation had been made.

The initiative is reportedly involving representatives of the PTI as well as government and official circles. The identities of some people involved have not been disclosed, and they have not publicly acknowledged their participation, the report said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is understood to be playing a role in the contacts. However, when approached for comment, he declined to discuss the reported engagement.

Khan’s brother-in-law, Ahad Khan, was also heard acknowledging the backchannel contacts during a conversation with journalists, according to the report.

The reported initiative comes amid a prolonged political deadlock between the PTI and the authorities, with repeated confrontations and public exchanges failing to produce a breakthrough.

Sources said the involvement of Khan’s family could help open further channels of communication and create an opportunity to ease tensions. They said the contacts could lead to practical steps in the coming days and potentially pave the way for a broader understanding between the party and the authorities.

The outcome of the discussions remains uncertain, and there has been no official confirmation of any agreement or planned release of Khan’s sisters.