ISLAMABAD, August 21 – Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan will not directly confront the military or Army Chief General Asim Munir if he is released from prison, according to Zulfiqar Bukhari, a senior representative of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Bukhari said PTI could choose the path of reconciliation and put past differences aside in the larger interest of Pakistan following legal developments at the country’s top court.
Describing Khan as a “magnanimous” leader, Bukhari said that if he were released, he would not do anything that could harm the country.
“This does not mean you have to confront the institution or the military chief,” Bukhari said, stressing that national interest could require a leader to suppress personal anger and pain.
On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that the 73-year-old Imran Khan be shifted from prison to a private hospital. Analysts have viewed the decision as a possible first step toward easing tensions between General Asim Munir and the PTI.
Bukhari described the court’s decision as a “new ray of hope.” He also said that if the army chief played a guardian-like role and extended a “hand of compassion,” all political prisoners could potentially be released within 24 hours.
However, analysts caution that Khan’s own position may differ from that of his close associates. In November last year, Khan accused the military chief of severe persecution and vowed not to bow down “until his last drop of blood.”
PTI leaders have also reportedly been unable to communicate directly with Khan for about eight months, making it difficult to determine his current position on reconciliation.
Neither the Pakistani government nor the military immediately commented on Bukhari’s remarks.
Meanwhile, PTI has called for a major street movement across Pakistan from September. The party is demanding Khan’s complete release and proper medical treatment, maintaining that he has been imprisoned for political reasons.
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