Jailed former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on Monday dismissed rumours of negotiations with the Pakistan government, stating that he would only engage in talks with the powerful establishment to resolve the political deadlock in the country.
“Whenever negotiations are mentioned, they bring up the May 9 violence. We are always open to talks, but only with those who hold the real power,” PTI reported quoting Khan telling reporters at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi during the hearing of the Toshakhana case against him.
Khan’s rejection of any talks with the government comes amid media reports over the weekend about potential negotiations between the government and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. His statement underscores his stance that any discussions to address the current political instability and his personal challenges must involve the military establishment.
The former prime minister criticised the government, accusing it of using the May 9 incident as a diversion whenever the idea of talks arises, demanding an apology instead. He claimed that the May 9 violence serves as the government’s “insurance policy,” implying that without it, the government would collapse.
Khan also suggested establishing a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 and determine accountability.
He also criticized former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, accusing him of using extra votes to win elections. On a lighter note, Khan joked about Sharif setting two potential Guinness World Records: one for his “U-turn” on the slogan “give honour to the vote,” and another for allegedly siding with all four military dictators yet still losing the political match. Khan further alleged that Sharif had made a deal with the establishment to return from exile in London to gain power for his brother, Shehbaz Sharif.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 5 last year after his conviction in the first Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan, and he remains in jail facing multiple cases.
