Sher Afzal Claims Deal Reached for Imran Khan’s Release in Nov 2024

ISLAMABAD: Member of the National Assembly Sher Afzal Marwat has claimed that an understanding was reached last year on November 25 between the government, the establishment, and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, under which the former prime minister was to be released.

Speaking on a private TV talk show, Marwat revealed that negotiations between the government and PTI began on November 3, facilitated through a four-member committee that included Ali Amin Gandapur, Barrister Gohar, Mohsin Naqvi, and Rana Sanaullah. He added that he later became part of the discussion as well.

According to Marwat, both sides reached agreements on several matters, including Imran Khan’s release. He further claimed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi provided his aircraft to Barrister Gohar and Barrister Saif so they could hold further meetings for clarification.

Marwat said that on the night of November 25, Barrister Gohar was sent to jail to record a video message from Imran Khan, which was part of the agreement to facilitate his release the following morning.

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He explained that the state and government at the time had no confrontational intentions and were trying hard to avoid any conflict. According to him, the plan was for Imran Khan to record a message asking PTI supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stay at Sangjani and not proceed further until his release.

Marwat narrated that when Imran Khan asked Barrister Gohar for a mobile phone to record the video, Gohar replied that he did not have one since phones were taken away inside the jail. A jail staff member offered a phone, but Imran Khan refused, saying he suspected it might be tampered with.

He added that discussions were held about whether to record the video from inside or outside the cell, but it was finally decided that Barrister Gohar would return the next morning with his phone to complete the recording. However, an incident involving Rangers occurred that same night, after which Gohar was unable to visit the next morning.

Sher Afzal Marwat concluded that had the Rangers’ incident not happened, Imran Khan would have been released as planned, and several key issues between the government, the establishment, and PTI might have been resolved.