Deal
Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly expressed a willingness to negotiate with the military establishment, though sources indicate that the military has declined his overtures.
The Guardian, in its Friday report, highlighted that Khan, currently being held at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, made these statements more than a week before his party’s planned protest on November 24.
The protest aims for the “restoration” of democracy and the judiciary, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) labeling it a “final call” after facing challenges in past protests, including government crackdowns and road blockages.
Khan, who remains under strict detention and is prohibited from meeting journalists, has managed to communicate with the media through written interviews.
In his responses to The Guardian, Khan reiterated his openness to engage with the military leadership despite his accusations that the military was behind his ousting and subsequent imprisonment.
He emphasized that any potential deal with the military would focus on principles and the welfare of the people, rather than any personal gains or compromises that could undermine Pakistan’s democratic values.
Khan made it clear that he would prefer to remain in prison for the rest of his life than sacrifice his principles.
The Guardian’s report also revealed that senior military sources had no intention of engaging in any form of negotiation with Khan. The military leadership, according to the sources, remained resolute in rejecting his calls for unconditional talks.
One military official remarked that Khan must face the legal challenges against him, asserting that while Khan claims to support the rule of law, he appears unwilling to subject himself to it. This suggests a stark contrast between Khan’s public stance on justice and the reality of his legal situation.
Khan also expressed concerns about his potential trial in a military court, calling the possibility of such a trial absurd, particularly for a civilian, let alone a former prime minister.
He argued that the only reason a civilian would be tried in a military court would be because no other court could convict him, a notion he found deeply troubling.
Despite his ongoing legal challenges, Khan remains hopeful for a fair trial and a return to power, should the people of Pakistan wish it.
The report from The Guardian did not receive a response from either the government or military regarding Khan’s comments.
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