Islamabad: An informed source closely monitoring political and government developments has categorically rejected speculation about any possible “deal or concession” for former prime minister Imran Khan, describing the chances as “zero.” The same source has also dismissed reports of differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, again putting the possibility at “zero.”
The comments come amid intense speculation following the recent developments surrounding Imran Khan’s medical examination.
There had been expectations that Imran Khan would be transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination in accordance with a Supreme Court order. However, he was instead taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors conducted his examination before he was returned to Adiala Jail.
The decision sparked political speculation about whether the episode could be linked to a possible change in the government’s approach toward the PTI founder.
When specifically asked whether there was any possibility of a “deal or concession” for Imran Khan, the well-informed source gave a brief and unequivocal response: “Zero.”
The source was also asked about reports and speculation regarding differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. The response was again “zero,” rejecting the possibility of any such rift.
According to the source, speculation of this nature is not unusual in Pakistan. Political developments involving the civilian government and military leadership have historically been interpreted through the familiar concepts of a political “deal,” “concession” or institutional differences.
The source said that whenever an unusual political development takes place, speculation quickly emerges that a behind-the-scenes agreement may be under discussion or that differences have developed between the civilian government and military leadership.
However, the source insisted that the current political and institutional arrangement should not be viewed through the same lens as political arrangements of the past.
Referring to the political setup 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 is “completely different” from the patterns witnessed in previous periods.
The source suggested that many of the reports currently circulating may reflect the wishes or expectations of certain individuals rather than developments grounded in the actual political situation.
The comments therefore seek to counter two major narratives circulating in political circles: first, that the recent medical episode could be a sign of an emerging arrangement involving Imran Khan, and second, that tensions or disagreements may have emerged between the civilian leadership and the military establishment.
The source rejected both interpretations and maintained that there is currently no indication of either a deal or any form of concession for Imran Khan.
The issue gained renewed attention after the Supreme Court directed that Imran Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital for a medical examination. His subsequent transfer to PIMS instead, followed by his return to Adiala Jail, prompted criticism from PTI and led the party to file a contempt petition alleging that the court’s order had not been properly implemented.
PIMS, meanwhile, has said that the medical examination was conducted by its relevant specialists, with two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participating in the examination of Imran Khan’s eyes. The hospital also said that its medical board considered the available medical findings before finalizing a medical fitness report.
The confidential contents of that report have not been made public.
Against this backdrop, the source’s comments suggest that the recent medical developments should not be interpreted as evidence of an impending political settlement involving Imran Khan.
For now, the source’s position is clear: there is no deal or concession being considered for Imran Khan, and there are no reported differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
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