Imran Khan Says Door to Talks with Establishment Was ‘Never Closed’

RAWALPINDI (RNN TV) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has reiterated that he never ruled out dialogue with the country’s military establishment, confirming his openness to reconciliation and national unity.

Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified that Imran Khan had previously refused negotiations only with the current government, not with the military. The clarification comes amid ongoing speculation that Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, might be negotiating a deal with the ruling coalition.

“Army Is Mine, Country Is Mine”

According to Gohar, Imran Khan stressed the importance of harmony between PTI and the armed forces. “Imran said, ‘The army is mine, and the country is mine,’” Gohar quoted. He further stated that Khan praised the military’s swift response to recent Indian aggression, saying it significantly boosted national morale.

Gohar denied reports of any secret deal being struck between Imran and the government, stating: “There is no deal of any kind.” PTI’s Information Secretary Shaikh Waqas Akram also confirmed that there are no ongoing negotiations, public or backchannel, with the government or the establishment.

Dialogue, Not Division

Gohar emphasized that Imran believes in dialogue as a means to achieve national solidarity. “He has always called for talks where they serve the nation’s interest,” Gohar said, adding that PTI continues to reject rumors about supporting any in-house change in the current government.

Meanwhile, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja, who also met the PTI founder in jail, reported that Imran was in good health and optimistic. “He talked about the need for internal unity and national cohesion,” said Raja. “He believes the nation must stand united against external threats and focus on reviving the economy.”

Raja also mentioned that Imran believes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suffered a recent setback but may provoke further tensions, underscoring the need for national preparedness.

No-Confidence Motion Speculation

While some PTI sources claim the party is considering tabling no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq with the support of opposition allies, Imran Khan has dismissed these reports as “baseless and fake.”

Despite speculation, Raja added that no final decision has been made on future protests but reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right.

Political Reconciliation on the Horizon?

Imran Khan’s remarks come at a critical time, as the country faces political uncertainty, economic pressure, and regional tensions. His openness to dialogue with the establishment—while ruling out engagement with the current government—suggests a strategic recalibration and a possible shift in PTI’s approach moving forward.

The PTI founder’s focus on national unity, dialogue, and defense underscores his intent to remain a central player in Pakistan’s evolving political landscape, even from behind bars.

Source: Web Desk