Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has faced significant backlash from leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) following his recent proposal to engage in talks with the military.
Khan, currently serving a nearly year-long prison sentence, made this offer during a court appearance at Adiala Jail on Tuesday. He suggested that the military should appoint a representative for negotiations.
The PTI founder accused the current government of attempting to weaken his party by creating discord between the PTI and the armed forces. This move, however, has not been well received by PML-N officials.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised Khan’s statement during a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, noting that the former prime minister previously disparaged the military’s decision to remain neutral in political matters, referring to neutrality as equivalent to “animal.”
He denounced Khan as a “security risk” to Pakistan’s economy, suggesting that Khan’s past rhetoric of not sparing his opponents has now shifted to a plea for dialogue.
Tarar also accused Khan of being involved in “mud-slinging politics” and claimed that PTI’s activities, including a purported social media cell, were detrimental to Pakistan. He labeled PTI as a “terrorist organisation,” stating that such a group is unsuitable for the country.
PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb echoed these sentiments, denouncing Khan’s change of stance from a defiant leader to one seeking reconciliation.
She questioned the purpose of the proposed dialogue with the military and criticised the PTI founder for not apologising for the violent protests on May 9, which targeted military installations including the GHQ, monuments of martyrs, and an airbase.
Aurangzeb suggested that instead of seeking dialogue, Khan should have apologised for the violence and disruption caused by his supporters. She also pointed out that his offer for talks came amid “improving” economic conditions in Pakistan, further questioning his motives.
