Imran wants army to appoint its negotiator
PTI founder Imran Khan has extended an olive branch to the military, expressing his readiness for dialogue while clarifying that his criticism of the armed forces was always constructive.
He also criticised the PPP and PML-N for allegedly trying to create a rift between PTI and the military to weaken his party, asserting that the political rivals were mere sinking ships clinging to the May 9 riots for survival.
During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, the former prime minister said, "We are ready to engage in talks with the military. Let them appoint a representative, and we will proceed with negotiations."
"We have never hurled accusations at the military; our stance has always been one of constructive criticism."
Imran said he has designated PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai to represent PTI in the talks. He also reiterated his trust in Achakzai, despite rumours to the contrary.
The PTI founder further elaborated and compared the military to "a wayward child needing discipline", adding that criticism was the lifeblood of democracy.
He referred to historical "military missteps", likening his criticism to those aimed at General Ziaul Haq for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's execution and General Yahya Khan's for the Fall of Dhaka.
When questioned about his apparent shift in stance toward the military, given his prior allegations against it and its leaders, he clarified, "I have never levelled accusations against the military; I have only criticised. It is wrong to suggest that the military has never erred."
Regarding political negotiations, he again dismissed talks with political parties, questioning the legitimacy of entities like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whom he accused of representing "a de facto martial law" in the country.
The PTI founder was adamant about not engaging with Mohsin Naqvi, accusing him of orchestrating violence against PTI members, including the death of Ali Bilal, alias Zille Shah, a worker of the party.
He demanded the return of the "stolen mandate" and the release of arrested PTI workers as preconditions for any negotiation, insisting that transparent elections are essential to save the country.
He also threw his weight behind the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in against exorbitant electricity bills and taxes, urging PTI leadership to join the protest. He also expressed solidarity with the Baloch people protesting enforced disappearances, criticizing the government for spreading hatred in Balochistan.
Pointing out the harsh realities ordinary citizens face, he mentioned that the electricity bill for the cleaner of his jail cell was a staggering Rs40,000. He condemned the increase in utility bills and taxes, supporting the stance taken by JI on the issue.
Imran Khan further lamented the challenges faced by his party, stating that despite its non-violent stance, the party was denied permission to hold rallies, while other parties freely conducted theirs.
He also revealed plans for upcoming rallies in Swabi and Islamabad, saying that PTI seeks no unrest but is forced into a corner by the current government's actions.
The incarcerated former premier denied apologising to the NAB prosecutor, labelling NAB officials as either incompetent or unethical.
He lamented his prolonged imprisonment due to NAB's actions and ridiculed the numerous cases against him, praising Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi for his resilience despite suffering severe injuries.