Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday rejected reports suggesting that the government had decided to make a “firm and final” offer to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) involving the reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the holding of general elections a year earlier than scheduled.
The claims emerged following a report by journalist Muhammad Malick, who stated in his programme on Thursday that “one or two important meetings” had taken place in recent days. According to the report, it was allegedly decided at a “high level” to present PTI with a final proposal aimed at resolving the political deadlock.
As per the claims, the government was said to be planning to ask PTI to return to Parliament, rejoin parliamentary committees, and participate fully in the legislative process. In return, it was alleged that the entire ECP would be reconstituted and relevant laws amended to ensure free and fair elections, with the government also willing to hold elections a year ahead of schedule.
The report further claimed that if the proposed “package deal” was accepted, legal issues faced by PTI founder Imran Khan and his associates would begin to ease in the coming days. The alleged offer was described as a “take it or leave it” proposal.
However, Tarar categorically denied the claims in a post on the social media platform X early on Friday.
“Absolutely false. I don’t know how these stories are cooked up every few days. Strongly rebutted,” the minister stated.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also appeared to dismiss the reports during a press conference at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad.
“Let me dismiss one thing before you all. It was said yesterday that the government has made an offer to us to hold elections after two years. This is completely false. These are all rumours,” he said, without referencing any report directly.
Barrister Gohar added that matters concerning PTI, its founder Imran Khan, and democracy were “very serious” and should not be reported based on unverified sources.
He advised journalists to approach PTI’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas for official comments on such matters.
