Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has addressed a six-point letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, advocating for changes in national policies, his lawyer Faisal Chaudhry revealed on Monday.
Speaking outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently imprisoned, Chaudhry stated, “Imran Khan, in his capacity as a former prime minister and PTI leader, has written a detailed letter to the army chief.”
Khan, who was ousted from office through a parliamentary vote in 2022, expressed solidarity with the military in its anti-terrorism efforts, commending the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers. He emphasized the importance of national unity in supporting the armed forces, Chaudhry noted.
According to Chaudhry, the first point in Khan’s letter criticizes “fraudulent elections” and the alleged empowerment of individuals involved in money laundering. The second point highlights concerns over the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which Khan claims undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.
The letter also references the Al-Qadir Trust case, reflecting Khan’s concerns over judicial decisions.
In the third point, Khan condemns the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), asserting that it has been exploited to suppress dissent and restrict social media.
The fourth point addresses the use of terrorism charges, raids, and force against PTI members. Khan argues that threats to journalists are harming the military’s public image.
The fifth point discusses the activities of intelligence agencies, while the sixth focuses on economic challenges. Khan contends that the current government has weakened the economy by manipulating the rupee’s value, resulting in diminished investment and internet blackouts.
Khan has called for a judicial commission to review these pressing issues and urged the army chief to reconsider current policies.
Separately, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan dismissed speculations of a “policy shift” following Khan’s letter to the army chief, clarifying that the letter was written in Imran’s role as a former prime minister. Barrister Gohar stressed that the party seeks stability, emphasizing, “The Pakistan Army is ours.”
The letter was sent weeks after PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar, met with the army chief to discuss national security matters.
This correspondence also gains significance as it follows the end of PTI’s negotiations with the PML-N-led government, during which PTI had demanded the establishment of judicial commissions for the incidents of May 9 and November 24-27, 2023, and the release of political detainees, including Khan.
In December, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the pursuit of political power should never overshadow Pakistan’s interests. He reiterated that all political parties are respected by the military, emphasizing that no leader’s political ambitions are above the nation’s well-being.
