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Imran Khan Calls for Better Relations with Pakistan’s Military Amid Imprisonment
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, currently incarcerated on various charges, has expressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with the military, despite blaming it for his removal from power and his ongoing imprisonment. As the anniversary of his jailing approaches, Khan shared his thoughts through written responses to inquiries from Reuters.
Khan described it as “foolish” not to cultivate “excellent” relations with the armed forces, which he acknowledges play a crucial role in both national governance and the private sector. “Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role, it is essential to foster such a relationship,” he stated.
The former cricket star emphasized that his criticisms were aimed at individuals rather than the military institution as a whole. “The miscalculations of military leadership shouldn’t tarnish the reputation of the institution,” he remarked.
Conditional Negotiations with Military
In a notable development, Khan proposed “conditional negotiations” with the military should there be clean and transparent elections in Pakistan and the withdrawal of charges against his supporters. This proposal highlights his willingness to engage politically, despite his current situation. “
However, both the Pakistani army and government have not yet responded to Khan’s statements, which come against a backdrop of denial from both parties regarding his allegations. The United States, also mentioned as a factor in his ousting, has similarly denied any involvement.
Khan, 71, did not elaborate on the specific topics he wished to discuss with the military. Still, he conveyed an openness to dialogue, particularly as a means to address Pakistan’s precarious political landscape.
The Army’s Political Influence
Historically, the military has played a dominant role in Pakistan’s politics, having ruled for over half of the country’s 76-year history. Political analysts note that no prime minister has completed a full five-year term, with many having faced imprisonment during their political careers. Allegations persist that leaders, including Khan, often negotiate their freedom through deals with the military, a claim the military continues to deny.
Following his ousting through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, Khan has asserted that the military has been backing what he describes as politically motivated cases against him. Yet, he maintains that engaging with military leaders could be beneficial if he were to regain his political standing.
“We are open to any dialogue that could help improve the dire situation in Pakistan,” Khan said, expressing skepticism about the current coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which he claims lacks public support following a contentious election in February.
Political Instability and Economic Challenges
The environment of political instability since Khan’s removal has exacerbated Pakistan’s economic struggles, forcing the government to comply with stringent fiscal measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in exchange for a bailout. Analysts indicate that the political unrest has necessitated broad economic reforms that place substantial tax burdens on the population.
The IMF has stressed the need for political stability to pave the way for recovery within Pakistan’s $350 billion economy. Khan, for his part, has rejected the notion of settling disputes with the government or military unless they acknowledge that his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), won the February elections. “Those elections were the most rigged in Pakistan’s history,” he asserted.
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