Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Dragging Military into Politics has led to sharp rebuke from PML-N leaders, who criticize the jailed former premier for involving the army in political matters.
Appearing in a court set up in Adiala Jail earlier today, Khan expressed his willingness for negotiations with the military, requesting the army to nominate a representative for this purpose. Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for nearly a year, accused the current government of trying to dismantle his party by creating a rift between the PTI and the armed forces.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, condemned Imran Khan’s call for dialogue. He recalled how Khan had previously criticized the army for its neutrality in political affairs. “The same Khan who equated ‘neutral’ with ‘animal’ now seeks dialogue after the military’s decision to remain apolitical,” Tarar said.
Labeling the 71-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician as a “security risk” to the nation’s economy, Attaullah Tarar highlighted Imran Khan’s previous aggressive stance and contrasted it with his current plea for negotiations. “You have gone from ‘I will not spare’ to making appeals,” Tarar remarked, accusing Imran Khan of engaging in divisive politics and labeling the PTI as a “terrorist outfit.”
Attaullah Tarar also accused Imran Khan of bringing terrorists back into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, operating a social media cell, and now seeking dialogue with the military for personal political gain. He noted that Imran Khan’s call for talks came amidst improving economic conditions in the country.
Similarly, Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized Khan’s offer for talks, referring to him as a “self-proclaimed revolutionary figure” who has shifted from a stance of “I will not seek pardon” to seeking an apology. She questioned the issues Imran Khan intended to discuss with the military and urged him to apologize for the violent protests on May 9, 2023 which targeted the GHQ, martyrs’ monuments, the corps commander’s house, and an airbase.
Imran Khan’s proposal for dialogue with the military has sparked a contentious debate, with PML-N leaders firmly opposing his move and accusing him of attempting to politicize the military for his own interests.
