Will Imran Khan confront Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir if released? Close aide answers
A close aide to jailed former Pakistani PM Imran Khan suggested that Khan would not confront the military leadership if released. This shift in rhetoric follows a Supreme Court order to transfer Khan to a hospital, potentially signaling a de-escalation in political tensions.
Why it matters
Signals a potential turning point in the volatile relationship between Pakistan's most popular political leader and the military establishment.
Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan would not confront army chief Asim Munir if he were released, one of his closest aides said, suggesting Munir could extend a "healing hand" following a legal breakthrough this week.The remarks, made to Reuters after Pakistan's top court ordered Khan's transfer to hospital for treatment, appeared to signal a notable shift in rhetoric from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, party.For years, PTI supporters have protested against Munir, whom they blame for Khan's imprisonment in 2023 following his falling-out with the military leadership. Khan, the former cricket hero, has himself called Munir "mentally unstable".Also Read: Ex-Pakistani PM Imran Khan meets wife Bushra Bibi, sister Noreen for first time in 9 monthsWhy Khan would not confrontBut PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari, a Khan aide, offered one of the clearest indications yet that the party could be prepared to mend ties with the military.
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