Key facts
- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan would not confront the military or army chief Asim Munir if released, according to aide Zulfikar Bukhari.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan would not confront the military or army chief Asim Munir if released, according to a close aide. The comments signal a potential shift in rhetoric from Khan's party, PTI, amid ongoing legal proceedings and a Supreme Court order for Khan to be moved to a hospital.
The statements signal a potential shift in the tense political landscape of Pakistan, suggesting a possible path toward reconciliation between the powerful military establishment and the incarcerated former prime minister, Imran Khan, which could impact the country's political stability.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently jailed, would not seek confrontation with the military or army chief Asim Munir if released, according to a close aide. Zulfikar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), conveyed this sentiment, suggesting a willingness for reconciliation with the military establishment.
Bukhari's remarks, made in an interview, represent a significant shift in rhetoric from PTI, whose supporters have previously rallied against Munir, whom they blame for Khan's 2023 imprisonment. Khan himself has previously described Munir in harsh terms. The comments come after Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Khan's transfer from prison to a private hospital, a move interpreted by analysts as a potential de-escalation.
Despite the potential for rapprochement, analysts caution that Khan's personal views might differ from the party leadership's current approach, especially as many PTI officials remain imprisoned. Bukhari stated there were no direct talks with the military but described Munir as Pakistan's most powerful figure. He expressed hope that Munir could "extend a healing hand" to the nation, potentially leading to the release of all political prisoners.
PTI plans to proceed with a nationwide march on September 27, regardless of Khan's hospital transfer, to demand his treatment, access for his legal and medical teams, prompt hearings, and ultimately, his release. Senior PTI leaders, who have been in hiding, are expected to participate in organizing the mobilization.