Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan – currently detained at Adiala Jail – has expressed his willingness to negotiate with the army.
Speaking informally to journalists, Khan emphasized the need for the army to appoint a representative for these negotiations. He firmly stated that his party has not criticised the military institution.
Khan remarked, “We did not criticise the army. The Supreme Court has declared the punishment of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto illegal, implicating General Zia-ul-Haq in his execution. Similarly, General Yahya Khan was involved in the fall of Dhaka. If injustices are committed, criticism of the army is inevitable.”
Rejection of Mohsin Naqvi
When asked about Mohsin Naqvi, Khan dismissed any possibility of engaging with him. “I will never talk to Mohsin Naqvi,” he asserted, labeling Naqvi as a representative of what he described as undeclared martial law in the country. He expressed his confidence in Mahmood Khan Achakzai, stating, “We had mandated Mahmood Khan Achakzai for negotiations, and we trust him fully.”
Support for Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in
Khan also announced his support for Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in against rising electricity bills and taxes. “Our party will fully participate in this sit-in,” he declared. He criticized the exorbitant electricity bill of a cleaner at his jail, highlighting the impact of increased utility costs on ordinary citizens.
The PTI chairman voiced his support for the Baloch people protesting the disappearance of their loved ones. “Disappearing people in Balochistan is cruel. The government should be aware of the growing hatred among the Baloch people,” he stated.
Allegations Against Chief Justice Islamabad High Court
Khan raised concerns about Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Amir Farooq, questioning why Farooq hears all the cases involving him and his wife. “I have filed a reference against him. He wanted to trap me in the Terian case,” Khan said. He demanded that his cases be reassigned to other judges in the interest of justice.
Explaining his demands for negotiations, Khan stressed the importance of returning the stolen mandate, releasing arrested workers, and ending pending cases against PTI members. “A fair and transparent election is essential to save the country,” he emphasized.
Khan criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, calling her a fascist who benefits from her father’s alleged corruption. He also accused the government of trying to destroy PTI by pitting it against the army. “PPP and PML-N are form 47,” he remarked, referring to the electoral form used for rigging.
Praise for Parvez Elahi
Khan lauded Chaudhry Parvez Elahi for enduring difficulties, including suffering broken ribs. He also discussed the appointment of ad-hoc judges in the Supreme Court, criticizing the move as a means to secure arbitrary decisions.
Rejection of NAB Prosecutor’s Apology
Imran Khan reiterated his refusal to apologize to the NAB prosecutor, stating that he has been imprisoned for a year due to NAB’s actions. “The world is mocking the registration of 200 cases against me,” he said, highlighting the perceived absurdity of the legal challenges he faces.
In conclusion, Khan’s statements from Adiala Jail reveal his strategic approach to negotiations, his criticism of political rivals, and his unwavering stance on various national issues.