On May 16, 2025, Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi reported on Samaa TV that on May 6, a non-political figure met former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, to discuss escalating tensions with India.
Sethi claimed Khan was briefed on allegations levelled by India against Pakistan, receiving a briefing akin to that of a serving prime minister. The meeting aimed to reassure Khan amid regional instability following a ceasefire on May 10, after military exchanges.
According to Sethi, Khan was told, “For the country’s sake, we need you and your youth.” Khan reportedly responded, “For the country’s sake, I will pause my internal battles and stand with you against Modi.” The visitor replied, “Thank you, Mr. Khan. We expected this from you.”
نجم سیٹھی نے عمران خان کےاسٹیبلشمنٹ کےساتھ مذاکرات کی خبروں کا پوسٹ مارٹم کردیا #SamaaTV #SethiSaySawal #SyedaAyeshaNaz #NajamSethi #ImranKhan #EstablishmentTalks #PoliticalAnalysis #PakistanPolitics #BreakingNews@najamsethi @SyedaAyeshaNaz1 pic.twitter.com/EGYjnETUuL
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) May 16, 2025Following Najam Sethi’s statements, social media echoed this, claiming Khan agreed to prioritise national unity against India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. These claims remain unverified, and credible sources have denied related speculations about deals with the military establishment.
Sethi noted Khan emphasised seeking release through legal channels, stating, “I must seek release through the courts.” The suspension of Khan’s sentence in ongoing cases, including the cipher and Toshakhana references, is significant, though details remain unclear. Khan has been detained since August 2023, and courts have barred him from public office for 10 years.
Sethi reported that participants in a ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ rally in Punjab, celebrating Khan’s potential release, were freed within 24 hours. Dawn News also described similar PTI rallies in Karachi, where supporters chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” and demanded Khan’s release, condemning Indian aggression.
The reported meeting coincides with heightened Pakistan-India tensions, including India’s visa cancellations and Pakistan’s retaliatory measures, as noted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sethi’s claims, while significant, lack official confirmation, and the narrative of Khan’s release remains speculative.
