Imran Khan Confirms Directive to PTI Leader for Talks with Military Establishment

Islamabad: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has confirmed that he instructed senior PTI leader Azam Swati to initiate talks with the military establishment.

In a conversation with party leaders and lawyers at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Imran Khan emphasized that the efforts to establish contact were not related to his legal cases, but were purely for the sake of Pakistan. He clarified that while his party had ended discussions with the current government, which he believes holds no real power, he never closed the door to dialogue with the military establishment.

According to well-placed sources, Imran Khan told those who visited him that he has never shut down the possibility of talks with the establishment. However, he made it clear that his party had ceased talks with the current government, as it lacks the genuine authority to make decisions.

Among those who visited Imran Khan were PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali, Senator Ali Zafar, and lawyers Zaheer Abbas, Mubashir Awan, and Ali Imran. During the meeting, Senator Ali Zafar inquired about Azam Swati’s recent video statement in which Swati revealed that Imran Khan had instructed him to maintain confidentiality while reaching out to the military establishment. Swati further stated that while Imran Khan publicly criticized military leadership, efforts to resume behind-the-scenes negotiations were ongoing.

In response, Imran Khan reaffirmed that the initiative for dialogue was not about personal gains or seeking legal leniency. He stated, “This is about Pakistan, democracy, the rule of law, and respecting the people’s mandate.” He also made it clear that he was determined to continue his legal battle in court and was not seeking any backdoor relief.

Imran Khan once again emphasized that although he had rejected dialogue with the government, he remained open to talks with the military establishment.