In a bombshell disclosure, a close aide to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan turned down two significant attempts at striking a political deal, deepening the rift in the country's volatile political landscape. Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs, made the stunning admission during a recent television appearance. He detailed that the first outreach occurred before November 26, 2024, spearheaded by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and involving PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, who serves as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A second, more recent effort was facilitated through overseas channels, where Khan initially appeared receptive but ultimately backed out.

"The PTI founder is simply not willing to compromise," Sanaullah stated, emphasizing the government's repeated overtures for dialogue to end the impasse. He accused Khan of insisting on nothing short of dismantling the current administration to regain control, a demand the PML-N led coalition deemed unacceptable.

This revelation comes amid Imran Khan's prolonged incarceration since 2023 on charges widely viewed by his supporters as politically engineered. PTI, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has maintained a fierce opposition stance, rallying behind Khan's narrative of battling corruption and military overreach. Sanaullah defended the negotiation attempts as pragmatic politics, drawing parallels to past deals involving rivals like Nawaz Sharif. Yet, Khan's firm rejections signal no thaw in tensions, reminiscent of the 2022 political crisis that ousted him and led to months of street protests.

As Pakistan navigates economic pressures—including soaring inflation and IMF negotiations—these failed talks raise fears of escalating unrest. PTI's base sees Khan's stance as heroic defiance, potentially galvanizing support ahead of future polls, while critics warn it prolongs national paralysis on key issues like security and energy reforms. Neither side has commented further, but the disclosure underscores the high-stakes chess game defining Pakistani politics. With Khan's legal battles ongoing, eyes are now on whether fresh backchannel efforts emerge or if confrontation intensifies.