Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has said it will be “foolish” not to maintain “excellent” relations with the Army if he were to return to power.
“Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship,” Khan wrote to Reuters through lawyers and his media team in the interview published on Aug. 4. “We are proud of our soldiers and armed forces,” he said, defending his past statements as being directed at individuals and not the institution of the military. “The miscalculations of the military leadership shouldn’t be held against the institution as a whole,” he added.
“We are open to any dialogue that could help improve the dire situation in Pakistan,” he continued, reiterating it was pointless to initiate dialogue with the incumbent government, as it does not enjoy the public’s backing. Khan and his PTI allege the Feb. 8 general elections were rigged to ensure they remained out of power. Instead of talking to the government, the PTI leader told Reuters, it would be “more productive to engage with those who actually wield power.”
In his interview, the incarcerated PTI founder reiterated that he held no grudges against the United States, who he has repeatedly accused of spearheading his ouster through a vote of no-confidence. Washington denies this.