Federal Planning and Development Minister and PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal stated on Saturday that ‘some people believe’ keeping Imran Khan imprisoned for five years is necessary for Pakistan’s progress.

He expressed concern that Khan’s release could lead to renewed protests and unrest, which the country cannot afford.

“People come to us and tell us if Pakistan has to progress than Imran Khan will have to be kept in jail for five years,” Iqbal told reporters on Saturday.

Iqbal described the current situation as a pivotal moment for both Pakistan and the PTI. He argued that meaningful dialogue with the PTI cannot occur while they simultaneously engage in campaigns against state institutions.

He emphasized that Imran Khan needs to demonstrate genuine commitment to dialogue if he wants to engage with the government. Iqbal also stressed the importance of maintaining continuity in government policies for Pakistan’s stability.

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Fawad Chaudhry, who was formerly associated with PTI, said that Iqbal had laid out his government’s political and economic strategy as keeping Imran in jail.

Chaudhry added that it was clear that the government itself believed that it could only rule by the stick and had no standing among the people of Pakistan.

Iqbal responded to Chaudhry’s statement on X, saying that it was not the government’s strategy but the voice of the people.

He added that Imran Khan had ruled the country for four years but had nothing but soup kitchens to show for it.