Imran Khan: ‘Foolish’ not to pursue excellent relations with army

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s incarcerated former prime minister, asserted blame on the military for his removal and subsequent year-long imprisonment on charges he labels as fabricated. In an interview with Reuters, Khan emphasized the strategic necessity of maintaining strong ties with Pakistan’s powerful military, given its role in national security and the economy. He said on […]

The post Imran Khan: ‘Foolish’ not to pursue excellent relations with army appeared first on Khaama Press.

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s incarcerated former prime minister, asserted blame on the military for his removal and subsequent year-long imprisonment on charges he labels as fabricated.

In an interview with Reuters, Khan emphasized the strategic necessity of maintaining strong ties with Pakistan’s powerful military, given its role in national security and the economy.

He said on Sunday it would be “foolish” not to have “excellent” relations with the army.

Khan expressed admiration for Pakistan’s armed forces, distinguishing his criticism as directed towards specific leaders rather than the institution itself.

“Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship,” Khan wrote in replies relayed by his media and legal team.

“We are proud of our soldiers and armed forces,” he said.

He extended an olive branch to the military, proposing talks contingent on fair elections and the withdrawal of what he termed as baseless cases against his supporters.

Both the Pakistani government and military have consistently refuted Khan’s allegations, including assertions of interference by the United States in his political downfall.

Khan refrained from specifying the agenda for potential discussions with the military but underscored the importance of engaging with those wielding substantial political influence.

Pakistan’s military, a dominant force in the country’s politics, has historically played a pivotal role, often influencing governance beyond its constitutional mandate.

Political instability in Pakistan has been exacerbated by the frequent turnover of prime ministers and allegations of military intervention in political affairs.

Analysts note that previous Pakistani leaders often negotiated with the military to secure their release from imprisonment, a practice the army denies.

Khan accused the military of supporting politically motivated legal challenges against him despite their denials and insistence on impartiality.

Despite his imprisonment and ongoing political turmoil, Khan expressed openness to dialogue with military leaders if conditions were conducive to fair governance.

Economic challenges and a recent IMF bailout underscore the urgency of restoring political stability in Pakistan, according to financial analysts.

Imran Khan’s detention and his contentious relationship with Pakistan’s military underscore deep-rooted political tensions and governance challenges in the country.

His calls for dialogue, conditioned on electoral fairness and justice for his supporters, reflect ongoing efforts to navigate a complex political landscape shaped by military influence and economic imperatives.

The post Imran Khan: ‘Foolish’ not to pursue excellent relations with army appeared first on Khaama Press.