Imran Khan Open to Discussing with Generals if Released
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently in prison, has recently softened his stance on the military. Although he has blamed the military for his removal and imprisonment, he now says it would be “foolish” not to maintain good relations with the army.
As of August 5, Khan has been in jail for a year, facing multiple charges including corruption and leaking state secrets. He now claims his criticisms were aimed at specific military leaders, not the entire institution.
In a recent interview with Reuters, Khan expressed that it would be beneficial to engage with military leaders if he were released and sought to return to power. He noted that Pakistan’s strategic position and the military’s role in the private sector make such engagement important.
Khan had previously suggested he would negotiate with the military if free and if clean elections were held, and if cases against his supporters were dropped. He dismissed the idea of negotiating with the current Shehbaz Sharif government, believing it lacks public support.
The military has ruled out talks with Khan and his party, holding them responsible for the events of May 9. Khan also rejected settling out of court unless the government acknowledges that his party won the majority in the February election.
