Questions are swirling in the Indian media about a possible ‘softening’ of the government’s stance on Imran Khan following the emergence of photographs showing Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur – previously positioned on opposing sides of the Islamabad protests – in close proximity.

Indian media interprets these images as a sign of thawing relations and a shift in political winds between two previously warring camps.

The first round of talks between the government and the opposition on Monday concluded on a positive note, according to Indian media, suggesting a step towards resolving several contentious issues, including the release of political prisoners, most notably Imran Khan.

Indian media claims that the issue of dropping the military court case against Imran Khan is on the table. While neither side has revealed their full negotiating positions, and formal written demands have been requested from the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), the expectation is that Khan’s release is a top priority.

The purpose of Monday’s meeting was to de-escalate tensions between rival camps, with a second round scheduled for January 2nd.

Indian media suggests that the commencement of these talks indicates that the “establishment-backed ruling party” has finally conceded to some of the PTI’s demands. However, mounting international pressure is cited as a significant factor driving these long-delayed negotiations.

While domestic factors, such as ongoing political instability and the need for a stable democratic process, have contributed to this conciliatory move, Indian media also highlights the role of international voices, including human rights organizations, in building pressure for Imran Khan’s release.

Recently, there has been a surge in statements from influential figures worldwide advocating for Khan’s release. These voices range from Richard Grenell, a close associate of former US President Donald Trump, to British MP George Galloway and former UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

These calls have garnered significant attention from supporters of Imran Khan both within Pakistan and internationally.

In a tweet from its official X account last week, the PTI stated, “Global voices are rising for the release of Imran Khan, who is arbitrarily and politically imprisoned in false and fabricated cases. Influential voices from around the world are saying: Free Imran Khan!”

Former Scottish First Minister Hamza Yusuf, speaking at the Oxford Union last week, expressed deep concern over Imran Khan’s “continued imprisonment.”

Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Special Representative for Afghanistan, voiced his support for Imran Khan’s release on December 19th, stating that “it’s time for change in Pakistan.” In a post on X, he stated that the Pakistani government “deserves sanctions and diplomatic pressure for its brutal use of force against peaceful protesters and even their massacre, and its misuse of the legal system for political purposes to keep Imran Khan in jail.”

Khalilzad, known for his close ties with Pakistan during Imran Khan’s premiership, had previously urged the Pakistani establishment in November to explain Khan’s detention in the context of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections.