Pakistani-American tycoon Tanweer Ahmed has confirmed that he met former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan several times last November at Adiala Jail, in an attempt to broker a breakthrough. However, Khan ultimately chose to pursue his goals through a mass protest movement, led by his wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
According to a report published by Geo News on April 14, Ahmed held multiple rounds of talks with Khan, which had progressed positively until they suddenly collapsed after some PTI leaders gave Khan what Ahmed described as “unrealistic advice.”
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Speaking to Geo News in London, Ahmed said, “We had detailed discussions over several sessions in November. When I met him, he hadn’t shaved and had grown a beard. He looked healthy and fit. He told me there was no court appearance or meetings, so he hadn’t bothered to shave out of laziness.”
Ahmed said Khan appeared to be in good health but seemed disconnected from the outside world. “I asked if he was aware of the narrative being spun by cyber warriors in his name, claiming he was being tortured. I explained how polarised and divided society had become and told him that, having played a role in that division, he also had a responsibility to help mend it.”
According to Ahmed, Khan was deeply concerned about the outside situation and seemed to lack accurate information. While he acknowledged that Khan had “some valid points” and remained firm on several of his demands, he declined to disclose the specifics, citing confidentiality.
“We spoke about how to reduce polarisation and division in society, how hatred and negativity are damaging Pakistan, and how we, as patriotic citizens, should work towards uniting the youth and progressing the nation,” Ahmed added.
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When asked how he managed to meet Khan in jail, Ahmed simply stated that the meetings were arranged through legal channels but did not reveal who facilitated them.
The Geo News report also revealed that prior to a delegation of Pakistani-Americans visiting Khan in March this year for sensitive negotiations, several meetings had already taken place in Adiala Jail between Khan and Tanweer Ahmed. Ahmed, who was part of the March delegation, was confirmed to have met Khan one-on-one.
That delegation included Ahmed, PTI USA senior leader Atif Khan, Sardar Abdul Sami, Dr. Usman Malik, Dr. Saira Bilal, and Dr. Mohammad Munir. The aim of their discussions was to resolve the impasse and promote reconciliation.
“I am apolitical,” said Ahmed. “I have no affiliation with any political party. My priority is Pakistan and what’s best for it. My conversations with Khan were solely about putting Pakistan first.”
Ahmed said the talks were progressing well until Khan, convinced by his inner circle that mass protests would succeed, decided to abandon negotiations. “I warned him that such tactics would not help his cause and reminded him that he would have labeled such actions as anarchy during his own tenure.”
Ahmed criticised the PTI leadership for missing key opportunities and failing to develop political maturity. “Leaders should build future leaders, but in PTI, that leadership depth is missing. The party is in disarray, issuing contradictory statements on every issue. No one seems to know who is actually in charge.”
According to sources, during the November meetings, Khan appeared open to reaching an understanding with the government and the establishment. However, his stance shifted after senior KP leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur, assured him that millions would join the long march to Islamabad—leading Khan to end the talks and place his hopes in street agitation to force negotiations on his terms.
Ahmed, a long-time friend and donor of Khan, expressed regret over the influence of Khan’s advisors. “He was badly advised by his own people, which has only weakened his position and jeopardised his future,” he concluded.