In the ever-shifting world of Pakistani politics, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has questioned the very idea of a possible meeting between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The speculation, widely shared on social and conventional media, has ignited fresh debate in the country’s political circles.
“Why would Nawaz Sharif go to meet the PTI? Explain the logic,” asked Khawaja Asif during a TV appearance, referring to an earlier incident where Nawaz Sharif visited Bani Gala, only to face financial demands from the PTI founder. “Let’s hope no demands are made this time,” he quipped sarcastically, adding a touch of political humour to the ongoing debate.
Amid this political drama, the defence minister hinted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) could potentially rejoin the federal government. Calling previous coalition experiences under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) "tested," Asif suggested that reviving such partnerships may once again serve the best interest of the country.
Khawaja Asif also took aim at the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the province’s political environment as unstable. He accused a mix of "elected and unelected" individuals of stirring confusion, saying, “The PTI is putting on a show.” Using a food metaphor, he said the PTI’s internal chaos was like "mutanjan" — a mix of coloured and plain rice — leaving him unsure of who’s who.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking earlier at the 982nd annual ghusl ceremony at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), also shot down the speculation. “The news of Nawaz Sharif meeting the PTI founder is just a rumour. This may be someone's wish, but not reality,” Dar remarked, dismissing the hype surrounding the alleged meeting.
On the other side, the PTI leadership has firmly rejected the reports. PTI leaders clarified that no official proposal for a meeting had been made, and any such decision would rest solely with the party’s founding chairman. "The matter will be brought to his attention in the next meeting," said party insiders, highlighting the best interest of the country would only be served by genuine political dialogue, not secret negotiations.
PTI has repeatedly expressed doubt about the ruling party’s reconciliation efforts, accusing it of engaging in "horse trading" and undermining democratic processes. A senior PTI source emphasized, "If the government is serious about reconciliation, it must first change the ground realities."
Adding to the clarifications, Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, in an interview with private TV channel strongly denied the possibility of Nawaz Sharif visiting Adiala Jail or Bani Gala for talks. “Nawaz Sharif has a clear stance — all political parties should engage in talks, but he is neither going to Adiala nor Bani Gala to convince anyone,” he stressed.
He further highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to democracy, reminding viewers of his political sacrifices for the country’s democratic growth. PTI’s Salman Akram Raja also chimed in, calling the reports "just rumours," further cooling down the heated discussions.
