Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister currently incarcerated, has reportedly indicated a willingness to negotiate with the military leadership.
However, according to The Guardian, the military has rejected the offer.
This development emerges ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s planned protest on November 24, aimed at advocating for the restoration of democracy and judicial independence.
PTI has labeled this protest as their “final call” following a series of demonstrations that were met with government crackdowns and road blockages, which many believe hindered their objectives.
In an interview with the UK-based publication, Khan reiterated his openness to engage in talks with the military while behind bars at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.
Despite being unable to meet with journalists directly, Khan has communicated through media channels by sending written responses via his legal team. The Guardian reports that questions were sent through his representatives.
Khan shared with the newspaper that since his arrest in August of the previous year, he has had no direct communication with the military.
While he previously accused the military of orchestrating his ouster and imprisonment, he expressed a willingness to negotiate with the establishment under the right circumstances.
He emphasized that any potential deal with the military would prioritize the country’s democratic values over personal or political gain.
“I would rather spend my life in prison than compromise on my principles,” Khan asserted.
Meanwhile, senior military sources, speaking to The Guardian, stated that the military has no intention of negotiating with Khan.
They noted that he has made repeated requests for talks in recent months, hoping for “unconditional” discussions that could lead to his release. However, the military remains resolute in its stance, insisting that Khan must face legal proceedings against him. One source remarked, “While he champions the rule of law, he doesn’t seem willing to apply it to himself.”
Khan has raised concerns over the possibility of a military trial, claiming that the government intends to have him tried in a military court after securing bail in several of his ongoing cases.
He has expressed his belief that the military court’s involvement would be a political move, stating that it would be “ludicrous” for a civilian, particularly a former prime minister, to be tried by a military tribunal.
Despite these challenges, Khan remains hopeful that he will receive justice and, if it is the will of the people, be able to serve as prime minister again.
Neither the government nor the military has issued any formal comment on the matter as of yet.
