ISLAMABAD (MNN); Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday strongly rejected media reports claiming that the government had decided to make a “firm and final” offer to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) involving the reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and holding general elections a year ahead of schedule.
The reports originated from a programme aired on ARY News, ‘Khabar Muhammad Malick Kay Saath’, in which journalist Muhammad Malick claimed that one or two high-level meetings had taken place recently. According to the claim, a decision was allegedly made to present PTI with a comprehensive package aimed at bringing the party back into the parliamentary process.
During the programme, Malick asserted that the government intended to ask PTI to return to parliament, rejoin parliamentary committees, and actively participate in legislative proceedings. In return, he claimed, the government was prepared to reconstitute the ECP, amend election laws to ensure free and fair polls, and, most significantly, hold general elections a year earlier than scheduled.
Malick further suggested that acceptance of this alleged “package deal” would lead to an easing of legal difficulties faced by PTI founder Imran Khan and his close associates. He described the proposal as a “take it or leave it” offer, adding that it was expected to be conveyed to PTI earlier this week, though he admitted he had no confirmation that this had actually happened.
However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar categorically dismissed these claims in a post on social media platform X early Friday. He termed the reports “absolutely false” and said he was unaware of how such stories continued to surface every few days. He stressed that the claims had no basis in fact and were being strongly rebutted by the government.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik also rejected the reports, calling them “absolutely fake news”. In his post on X, he said no such offer had been made to PTI under any circumstances. He urged those spreading the claims to recheck their so-called sources, emphasising that the only offer extended so far was for unconditional talks between political parties, without any terms or preconditions.
Barrister Aqeel Malik shared a clip from the programme while reiterating that the narrative being circulated was incorrect. Notably, he was present during the ARY News show when the issue was discussed between Muhammad Malick and PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai, who also denied the existence of any such offer. However, the state minister was neither asked to comment on the matter during the programme nor did he offer any clarification at that time.
Separately, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also appeared to dismiss the reports while addressing a press conference at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. Without directly referring to any specific media outlet, he said rumours had been circulating about the government offering early elections in exchange for political cooperation.
He categorically rejected these claims, calling them baseless and misleading. He added that matters concerning PTI, its founder Imran Khan, and the state of democracy in the country were serious issues and should not be reported solely on the basis of unverified sources.
Barrister Gohar urged journalists to approach PTI’s information secretary, Sheikh Waqas, for verified information on such sensitive matters, stressing the need for responsible reporting.
