‘Wouldn’t confront army chief’: Imran Khan’s aide hints at reconciliation if ex-Pakistan PM is freed

A close aide to jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has suggested that the PTI leader would not challenge the army or its chief, General Asim Munir, if he were released. This represents a significant shift in the party's stance, which has traditionally criticized the military leadership. Zulfikar Bukhari, the party's spokesperson, made these remarks during an interview with Reuters, stating that Khan, who is often described as putting the country first, would not engage in any actions that would harm the nation.

Bukhari emphasized that reconciliation does not entail backing away from the establishment or the military leader, but rather controlling one's emotions for the greater good of the country. This change in tone, coming from someone so close to Khan, suggests that the party may be considering a truce, although it remains uncertain if Khan shares this perspective.

The comments follow a recent Supreme Court order directing authorities to transfer Khan, who is 73, from prison to a private hospital within 48 hours. Analysts view this as a possible first step towards easing tensions. Bukhari described the ruling as a "new ray of hope" and stated that PTI would comply with the court's directive for party workers to stay away from the hospital.

As of Thursday afternoon, Khan had not yet been moved. While Bukhari indicated that there have been no direct talks between PTI and the military, he suggested that the door remains open, adding that the army chief might change his stance if he believed it was for the nation's best interest. However, analysts caution that Khan's own position may differ from that of his aide, as much of the party's structure has been weakened by arrests, and many former officials remain in prison.

Despite the softer tone, PTI plans to proceed with a nationwide march on September 27, regardless of Khan's movement to the hospital. The party seeks to ensure that his court-ordered treatment is carried out, that his family, doctors, and lawyers have access, and that legal proceedings move more quickly. Khan has been held in solitary confinement, and he has previously called Munir "the most tyrannical dictator in history" and stated that he would neither submit nor bow down.