Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan announced his party's willingness to hold talks with the military during a court hearing held within Adiala Jail. "We are ready to hold talks with the military. The army should nominate their representative [for negotiations]," said Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly a year.
Khan emphasized that PTI had never accused the army but merely criticized the armed forces. He urged authorities to penalize any PTI worker found guilty in the May 9, 2023 riots. He accused the current government of trying to destroy his party by creating a divide between PTI and the military.
In response to questions about seeking talks with the military rather than political parties, Khan questioned the legitimacy of current government representatives, calling Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi "their" representative and alleging an undeclared martial law. He refused to engage in talks with Naqvi, whom he accused, along with Punjab's Inspector General, of oppressing PTI.
Khan criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, calling her "fascist" for the numerous arrests of PTI leaders in the province. He alleged that his own arrest last year was an "abduction" sanctioned by Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, and demanded Farooq recuse himself from his cases, urging the judiciary to refer his cases to other high court judges.
Reactions from PML-N Leaders
Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb dismissed Khan’s call for negotiations, labeling him a “self-proclaimed revolutionary figure” who has shifted from a stance of defiance to an apologetic tone. Aurangzeb demanded Khan apologize to the military for the May 9 protests instead of seeking talks. She argued that a true fascist is someone who violates the Constitution to stay in power and suppresses freedom of expression.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari echoed Aurangzeb's sentiments, labeling Khan a "fascist ruler" who imprisoned over 100 PML-N leaders. She contrasted the loyalty of PML-N leaders with the defections of PTI leaders after brief imprisonments. Bokhari asserted that those responsible for the May 9 riots would be held accountable.
Imran Khan’s Legal Battles
Khan's latest statements come amid ongoing legal battles. The 71-year-old former prime minister has been in prison for almost a year, facing charges including the Toshakhana, cipher, and un-Islamic marriage cases. His wife, Bushra, is also imprisoned. While Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana case was suspended and convictions in other cases overturned, fresh charges related to state gifts have kept him behind bars.
Khan reiterated his earlier claim that he directed PTI workers to stage a peaceful protest outside the military's General Headquarters (GHQ) before his arrest. PTI leadership refuted media reports of Khan’s admission, insisting he was misquoted. Khan also clarified his controversial "only animals are neutral" remark from 2022, stating he meant the military is non-partisan.
The chances of Khan's release further diminished following his arrest in new cases linked to the May 9 riots, even after his acquittal in the iddat case.
