Govt slams Imran Khan for dragging army into politics

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has stirred controversy by proposing negotiations with the military while he remains imprisoned. Khan’s statement, made during a court appearance in Adiala jail, has been met with harsh criticism from leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Imran Khan, who has been behind bars for almost a year, suggested that the military nominate a representative to engage in talks. He claimed that the current government aims to dismantle his party by creating a rift between PTI and the armed forces. This proposal for dialogue comes amidst his ongoing legal battles and allegations of political manipulation.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar responded sharply to Khan’s offer, accusing him of attempting to involve the military in political issues after previously denouncing the army’s neutrality. Tarar recalled Khan’s earlier derogatory remarks about the army’s decision to stay apolitical, branding the former premier’s current stance as inconsistent and opportunistic.

“Imran Khan is a security risk to the country’s economy,” Tarar stated during a press conference in Islamabad. “He once vowed to take no prisoners, and now he’s begging for dialogue.” Tarar criticized Khan’s alleged history of undermining the state and suggested that Khan’s recent appeal is a maneuver to shift focus from his own political failures.

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Tarar further accused Khan of politicizing the military for personal gain and labeled PTI as a “terrorist outfit,” which he claimed is unfit for Pakistan. He also dismissed Khan’s dialogue offer as a fabricated strategy designed to distract from the improving economic conditions in the country.

Echoing Tarar’s sentiments, PML-N leader and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also condemned Khan’s proposal. Aurangzeb questioned the legitimacy of Khan’s request for talks, challenging him to address his previous actions instead. “Instead of seeking dialogue, Imran Khan should apologize for the May 9 violent protests, including the attacks on military facilities and monuments,” she said.

Aurangzeb labeled Khan as a “self-proclaimed revolutionary” who has now shifted from a position of defiance to one of pleading for reconciliation. She emphasized that Khan’s call for negotiations seems insincere given his prior stance against seeking any form of apology or compromise.