The federal government has begun serious discussions on shifting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Adiala jail, signalling a sharp escalation in the already fragile political climate.

Officials worry that the party’s recent protests indicate what they described as “an agenda to destabilise the country,” raising concerns about security and public order.

During a press conference on Monday, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ikhtiar Wali, confirmed that the proposal to relocate the PTI founder Imran Khan is under active consideration. “They want the prisoner shifted from Adiala, and the government is genuinely examining it,” Wali said, adding that the current hostilities have reached a point “from where return seems impossible.”

Wali went a step further and launched a scathing attack on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accusing him and his family of patronising drug smugglers. “His performance is not zero — it is minus,” he said, alleging that the CM’s relatives were directly involved in the narcotics trade.

The debate over Imran Khan's relocation comes amid rising tensions outside Adiala jail. On Sunday, the PTI founder’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Noreen Khan, and Uzma Khan—staged a sit-in after being denied a meeting with their brother. Police eventually dispersed the crowd using water cannons, arresting several workers after protesters hurled stones at officers.

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Meetings with the PTI founder Imran Khan have long been a flashpoint between the government and PTI. The last approved meeting took place last week when Uzma Khan was allowed entry. But days later, the government imposed a blanket ban on all visits—a move confirmed by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The ban followed a stark statement from ISPR DG Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who termed Imran Khan “a mentally ill person” and a threat to national security.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq revealed that efforts to begin a political dialogue have stalled. While the government expressed willingness to talk, the opposition reportedly insisted on engaging only with Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Sadiq criticised the opposition’s approach, saying politics had reached a stage “from where return may no longer be possible,” noting that parliament had become a platform for anti-judiciary and anti-army rhetoric. “I moved four steps forward for dialogue, but now I have had to retreat 40 steps,” he remarked.

Outside Parliament, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters. Rejecting any attempt to sideline the party or its leader, he said, “If attempts are made to minus us, none of them will remain either.”

Former Speaker Asad Qaiser also issued a strong warning, saying no one had the courage to impose governor’s rule in KP. He demanded clarity from the PPP regarding Faisal Karim Kundi’s remarks allegedly endorsing such action. Qaiser emphasised that PTI wanted peace and fully supported action against terrorism but would “speak as far as the law allows.”