Imran Khan's family enters backchannel process amid hopes of breakthrough: report

Backchannel contacts between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the authorities have reportedly made progress, with Imran Khan’s family becoming directly involved in the process for the first time, sources familiar with the developments say.

The involvement of the former prime minister’s family is being viewed as a possible step towards easing political tensions and addressing issues concerning Imran Khan, his relatives and the PTI through dialogue.

Sources said recent contacts had facilitated a meeting involving members of Imran Khan’s family, including his sisters. They added that at least two of his sisters could be released in the coming days. However, no formal announcement or confirmation has been made regarding their possible release.

The backchannel initiative reportedly involves key interlocutors from the PTI as well as government and official quarters. Representatives of the authorities involved in the contacts have so far declined to disclose their identities or publicly acknowledge their role.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is understood to be playing an important role in facilitating the engagement. However, when approached for comment, he declined to discuss the reported contacts.

Imran Khan’s brother-in-law, Ahad Khan, was also heard acknowledging the backchannel contacts while speaking to media persons.

The reported engagement comes amid continued political tensions and a prolonged deadlock between the PTI and the authorities.

Sources said the initiative aims to translate the contacts into concrete steps in the coming days and could create room for wider engagement between the two sides.

While the outcome remains uncertain, those familiar with the process believe the involvement of Imran Khan’s family could help open further channels of communication and provide an opportunity for political de-escalation.