Preliminary third-party-mediated talks have reportedly begun on a possible conditional release of jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan on health grounds. Sources close to Pakistan’s influential military and Khan’s family confirmed the information, according to the report published on August 3, 2026. Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has been held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail for three years.

Khan was arrested in a corruption case in 2023 and has not been seen in public since. A source familiar with the discussions said Pakistan’s political deadlock needed to end because prolonged instability had caused irreparable damage. The report said a specific, credible reason is generally required for prison release under legal and administrative procedures, and Khan’s health could provide that basis. The 73-year-old underwent eye surgery earlier this year.

Family members say they have been barred from seeing Khan for months and fear for his physical condition. His sons said he has been isolated from the outside world for more than seven months. Analysts believe any arrangement could include leaving Pakistan, staying inactive in politics and making no political statements. His friend Clive Stafford Smith said Khan may resist such strict conditions.