Ex-PM of Pakistan Imran Khan, jailed for corruption, seeks open dialogue with army

Ahead of Monday’s anniversary of his jailing on dozens of charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets, Khan also said in written responses to journalists’ questions that he held no grudges against the United States, whom he has also blamed for his 2022 removal from office.

“Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship,” Khan wrote in replies relayed by his media and legal team.

“We are proud of our soldiers and armed forces,” he said.

Khan said his criticisms since his ousting had been directed at individuals, not the military as an institution. “The miscalculations of the military leadership shouldn’t be held against the institution as a whole.”

On Wednesday, Khan offered to hold “conditional negotiations” with the South Asian nation’s military – if “clean and transparent” elections were held and the “bogus” cases against his supporters were dropped.

Pakistan’s army and government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Khan’s remarks. They have both repeatedly denied his assertions.

In his replies, the 71-year-old former cricket star did not specify what he wanted to discuss with the military.

The army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half its 76-year independent history, plays an oversized role in the politics and governance of the nation of 240 million people.

No Pakistani prime minister has completed a full five-year term in office, and most have served time in jail. Analysts say most of those secured their release after striking deals with the military, a claim the army denies.

Khan, who lost power in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after falling out with the generals, has said