ISLAMABAD/LAHORE – Contrary to claims by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), security sources on Tuesday clarified that Army Chief General Asim Munir has neither received nor shown any interest in reading a letter allegedly sent by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Sources revealed that military leadership first learned about the letter through media reports. They further stated that any political concerns should be addressed within the political arena rather than being directed at the army.
Meanwhile, PTI insisted that the letter was an “open letter” shared via journalists and social media. Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, PTI lawyer Faisal maintained that Imran Khan had expressed his concerns publicly and believed the relevant authorities would take notice.
Key Points from Imran Khan’s Letter
According to a copy of the letter obtained by The News, Imran Khan urged the military to step back from politics and focus solely on its constitutional responsibilities. He warned that continued involvement in political matters was harming the institution’s reputation.
“The army belongs to me, just as the country belongs to me. Our soldiers are making sacrifices for Pakistan, and the nation must stand behind them in the fight against terrorism. However, the growing disconnect between the army and the people is alarming,” Imran Khan wrote.
He outlined several reasons for this widening gap:
- Election Rigging: Khan alleged that the 2024 elections were marred by massive rigging, stripping the people of their mandate. He accused intelligence agencies of manipulating results to install a government that only won 17 seats.
- Judiciary Manipulation: He criticized the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it was designed to control the judiciary and assign cases against him to handpicked judges.
- Media Censorship: Imran condemned the implementation of the PECA law, stating that electronic and social media had been muzzled, leading to financial losses in Pakistan’s IT industry and jeopardizing the country’s GSP Plus status.
- Repression of PTI: He highlighted the mass arrests of PTI members, claiming over 100,000 raids had been conducted on party leaders and supporters, violating human rights.
- Economic Decline: The PTI founder linked political instability to economic turmoil, arguing that investors were reluctant to bring capital into Pakistan due to a lack of rule of law and fears of terrorism.
- Institutions Being Used for Political Victimization: He alleged that national institutions were prioritizing political revenge against PTI instead of fulfilling their constitutional duties.
PTI’s Response & Political Climate
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan reiterated that Imran Khan considers the military a national institution and holds no animosity towards it. He confirmed that the party currently has no direct communication with the establishment.
Gohar revealed that a meeting had taken place in October 2023, where law and order was discussed, but no political demands were made. He emphasized that PTI would continue its political struggle through constitutional means, including rallies and protests.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Shibli Faraz stated that the country was suffering due to prolonged political instability. He stressed that democracy and public representation were essential for Pakistan’s progress, arguing that silencing opposition voices would only push the country further into crisis.
On the other hand, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram defended Imran Khan’s letter, describing it as a sincere effort to address national issues. He urged authorities to consider Khan’s proposals before it was too late.
However, PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar dismissed the letter, calling it a futile exercise. He accused the party of engaging in “anti-national politics” and damaging Pakistan’s international reputation through foreign funding scandals. He insisted that PTI must undergo internal democratic reforms, including transparent intra-party elections, to restore its credibility.
Government & PML-N’s Take on the Letter
The government has dismissed Imran Khan’s letter as a publicity stunt. Barrister Aqeel Malik, the government’s legal spokesperson, called it “a drama” and an attempt to create unnecessary controversy. He claimed that PTI had exhausted all its political strategies and was now looking for international support.
Meanwhile, senior PML-N leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui reacted with sarcasm, quoting a verse from Mirza Ghalib:
“We will write letters even if there is no purpose. We are simply lovers of your name.”
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan criticized PTI for reaching out to the army despite repeatedly accusing the establishment of interfering in politics. He also dismissed PTI’s legal petitions against election results, asserting that the party lacked the numbers to form a government even if all disputed seats were returned.
Final Thoughts
While PTI continues to push for political relevance through protests and legal battles, the government remains firm in dismissing its claims. With Pakistan facing economic challenges, security concerns, and political uncertainty, the question remains: will dialogue prevail, or will the political deadlock persist?