Imran Khan Calls for Military Talks Amid Government Backlash

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan invites military dialogue, drawing criticism from the Shehbaz Sharif government. Imran, addressing his incarceration and the PTI's stance, stressed penalizing rioters and denounced PTI's treatment by authorities. Government officials condemned his move, labeling it a threat to national security.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed readiness for dialogue with the military, a statement met with severe criticism from the Shehbaz Sharif administration, according to Geo News. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, appearing in court at Adiala jail, stated, "We are ready to hold talks with the military. The army should nominate their representative [for negotiations]."

Khan, imprisoned for nearly a year, clarified that his party never accused the army but only criticized it. He emphasized that any PTI member found guilty of participating in the May 9, 2023 riots should be duly punished. He accused the current government of attempting to dismantle PTI by sowing discord between the party and the military. He criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, labeling her "fascist" in light of the repeated arrests of PTI leaders.

Recounting his detention last year, Khan alleged abduction from the judicial complex, which was sanctioned by Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. His call for military talks drew sharp rebuke from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) officials, who criticized him for involving the army in political matters.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar highlighted Khan's past critiques of the army's apolitical stance and deemed him a "security risk" for Pakistan's economy. Tarar noted Khan's shift from a defiant stance to one of supplication. PML-N leader and Punjab minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also berated Khan's appeal for dialogue, calling him a "self-proclaimed revolutionary figure" who has backtracked on previous promises.