Attaullah Tarar Denies Any Deal or Concessions for PTI

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has categorically denied rumors of a “deal” or special concessions for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismissing such reports as purely speculative and baseless.

Speaking to the media in London, Tarar stated that claims regarding concessions to the party founded by Imran Khan are unfounded. Addressing concerns about Khan’s health, he asserted that reports of the PTI founder’s eye condition have been exaggerated.

“We have fulfilled our obligation to provide appropriate medical care. The issue has been addressed, and his health is now stable,” Tarar stated. He emphasized that the PTI should not politicize health matters, noting that medical professionals have evaluated Khan and kept party leadership informed of his status.

Tarar and other Pakistani officials arrived in the UK late Monday night following a two-day visit to Austria as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s entourage. Reflecting on the trip, Tarar noted that the Prime Minister convened a successful business forum in Austria attended by executives from both nations.

“There is significant investment potential in mines, minerals, and textiles. This visit will open new avenues for trade,” he said. He added that the Prime Minister’s speech in German during an event in Vienna was well-received by the Austrian Chancellor and the public, underscoring the success of the formal engagement.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur (ref: Sohail Afridi in original text) disputed the minister’s assertions, claiming the government has failed to meet the PTI founder’s basic requests. Speaking outside the KP House in Islamabad, he argued that the party’s demands have been misrepresented.

He denied that the party was seeking a specific medical report, clarifying that their primary demand is for Khan to be allowed consultations with his personal physician and visits from his relatives.

“A medical report was never part of our demands,” he told reporters. “We requested access to his personal physician, a family member, an eye specialist, and treatment at Shifa International Hospital.”

He claimed that none of these requests have been granted. “What is the government trying to hide by preventing his personal doctor from seeing him?” he questioned, asserting that these demands are both legal and constitutional.

As political tensions show no signs of abating, the PTI has vowed to continue its sit-in amid ongoing concerns regarding Imran Khan’s health and vision. On Tuesday, the demonstration—led by PTI legislative leaders and the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP)—entered its fifth day.