- Source terms reports individuals’ wishes rather than facts.
- Source says “zero” chance of any relief for PTI founder.
- Current system “completely different” from past: source.
ISLAMABAD: An important and well-informed source has categorically ruled out any possibility of a “deal or dheal (relief)” for former prime minister Imran Khan, as well as reports of differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The source, who keeps a close watch on developments across the political and governmental spectrum, described the possibility of both scenarios as “zero”.
The comments come amid intense speculation following the Supreme Court’s order concerning Khan’s medical treatment. Khan was expected to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital but was instead taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) and subsequently returned to Adiala Jail.
The development triggered speculation in political circles about whether the episode was linked to a possible “deal or relief” for the PTI founder.
When specifically asked whether there was any possibility of a deal or some form of relief for Khan, the source’s response was unequivocal: “Zero”.
The source was then asked about reports and speculation regarding differences between PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir.
Again, the answer was: “Zero”.
The source said such speculation was not unusual in Pakistan, where developments involving political and military leadership have historically been interpreted through the familiar lenses of “deal”, “relief” or “differences” between the civilian government and the military establishment.
According to the source, whenever an unusual political development takes place, speculation quickly emerges that a deal is being negotiated somewhere behind the scenes, or that differences have developed between the civilian government and the military leadership.
The source, however, insisted that the present political and institutional arrangement should not be viewed through the prism of Pakistan’s past.
Referring to the political setup that emerged around three to four years ago, the source said the journey of the civilian government led by PM Shehbaz and the military leadership was “completely different” from the patterns witnessed in the past.
The source suggested that many of the reports currently circulating may reflect the wishes or expectations of individuals rather than facts on the ground. “People can have their wishes,” the source said, adding that even some highly serious and influential people sometimes make claims which have no basis in reality.
The categorical response on both issues — “zero, zero” — is significant because the speculation has intensified following the latest developments surrounding Khan’s proposed medical treatment.
The former prime minister’s relationship with the military establishment has remained deeply contentious since the breakdown of his once-close relationship with the establishment and his subsequent confrontation with the military leadership.
Any development concerning Khan’s imprisonment, health or possible political relief therefore routinely triggers speculation about a possible behind-the-scenes understanding.
The source, however, rejected that interpretation in the present circumstances. For now, therefore, the key message from the source is that no deal or “dheal” for Khan, and no differences between PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir.
Originally published in The News
