Minister Offers to Shift Imran Khan to Banigala; PTI Says Proposal Can Be Considered

ISLAMABAD, October 23, 2025: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday offered to move Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to his Banigala residence if the party formally submits a written request.

Speaking on a television talk show, the minister said the government was willing to declare the Banigala residence a sub-jail, allowing Mr Khan’s family and party members to meet him regularly. “We are ready to shift him if they submit an application. There at Banigala, PTI leaders can meet him and play Ludo and other games day and night,” he remarked.

Later, speaking to Dawn, Mr Chaudhry said around 8,000 prisoners in Adiala Jail were being affected by the PTI founder’s political activities, and that the proposal aimed to ease management concerns. He clarified, however, that the government had no plans to release Mr Khan.

Reacting to the offer, PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said the proposal could be considered if the government demonstrated genuine intent. “If it is serious, we can discuss the offer within the party, our legal team, and with Imran Khan. If Khan sahib agrees, we will submit the written application,” he said, while expressing doubt that the government would follow through.

Mr Qaiser added that the PTI founder, incarcerated for over two years, had become legally entitled to bail, urging the government to “remove pressure from the judiciary” and allow due process.

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It may be recalled that in January 2024, Mr Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi was moved to Banigala after being sentenced in the Toshakhana case, before alleging she was being poisoned there. The Islamabad High Court later ordered her return to Adiala Jail in May 2024.