On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar issued a stern categorical rejection of reports suggesting the government is considering a “deal” or any form of leniency for the incarcerated PTI founder, Imran Khan.
Taking to the social media platform X, Tarar characterized such reports as “baseless, unfounded, and speculative,” reinforcing the government’s stance that the law must take its course for the convicted former premier.
Key Highlights of the Official Rebuttal
- No Concessions: Tarar emphasized that there is “neither any deal nor any leniency,” describing Khan as a criminal convicted by the courts.
- Countering Misinformation: The minister labeled impressions of an upcoming “package deal” as fake news, intended to create political uncertainty.
- Legal Standing: He reminded the public that Khan is currently serving a 14-year sentence in the £190 million corruption case and faces multiple other trials, including those related to the May 9 riots.
وفاقی وزیرِ اطلاعات عطاء اللہ تارڑ کی میڈیا میں بانی پی ٹی آئی کی ڈیل کے حوالے سے خبروں کی سختی سے تردید
عمران خان کے حوالے سے نا کوئی ڈیل ہے اور نا ہی کوئی ڈھیل ہے۔ وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات
عمران خان کو کسی بھی قسم کی رعایت کا تاثر دینا بالکل غلط ہے۔ وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات
عمران…
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) February 18, 2026
Rana Sanaullah’s Context: “Two Serious Efforts”
Tarar’s comments follow an interview by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, who revealed that while the government had previously attempted to seek a political solution, Imran Khan remained “stubborn.”
| Nature of “Effort” | Key Participants | Result |
| Domestic Channel | Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi & Ali Amin Gandapur | Failed; no consensus reached. |
| International Link | “Individuals from abroad” with links to Khan | Initial agreement by Khan, who then “stepped back.” |
Sanaullah noted that Khan’s current demands are “non-political” and such that no constitutional government could fulfill them, essentially ending the prospect of a negotiated exit.
The Health Crisis: A Factor in “Deal” Speculation?
The rumors of a deal gained momentum following reports of Khan’s deteriorating eyesight.
- Medical Status: A government medical board reported on Monday that Khan’s vision in his right eye had improved to 6/9 (partial) with glasses.
- Trust Deficit: Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and the PTI leadership have rejected these official reports, demanding an examination by independent personal physicians like Dr. Aasim Yusuf.
- Foreign Intervention: More than a dozen former international cricket captains (including Sunil Gavaskar and Ian Chappell) have petitioned PM Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Khan receives “dignified treatment” and urgent medical care.
Government’s “Firm and Final” Stance
The Information Ministry’s latest statement is a clear signal to the opposition and the public that:
- The government will not be “blackmailed” by protests or international pressure.
- Any medical facility provided will be strictly under the prison manual and legal requirements, not a political concession.
- The PHC order to reopen roads has emboldened the administration to move away from negotiations and toward strict legal enforcement.
You May Also Like:
