Army dismisses possibility of deal with Imran Khan: UK newspaper

• Khan says would not rule out doing deal with military establishment.
• Senior military leadership says Khan pressing for talks for months.
• PTI founder faces upwards of 100 cases he claims are trumped up.
  

LONDON: Pakistan’s military has firmly ruled out the possibility of negotiating or striking a deal with imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, British newspaper The Guardian reported, quoting senior military sources. 

The statement comes after the former prime minister expressed a willingness to engage in talks with the military leadership from his prison cell.

As per the report, the newspaper had sent questions to Khan via his legal team, and in his responses, the cricketer-turned-politician confirmed he had not had any direct interaction with the military since his arrest and imprisonment in August of the previous year.

However, he said he would not rule out doing a deal with the establishment, despite previously accusing them of bringing down his government and being behind his incarceration.

Behind the scenes, senior military leadership said that for the past few months, Khan has been applying pressure for discussions with the military and had offered “unconditional” talks as he sought a deal to ensure his release.

However, senior military figures are said to be resolute in refusing to enter into any negotiations with Khan. 

“Khan has to face the court cases against him, and can’t expect any deals from the military. Khan wants everyone to follow the rule of law, but he does not want this rule of law for himself,” said one military source.

“With regards to doing a deal with the military, any engagement would be based on principles and in the interest of the people, not personal gain or compromises that undermine Pakistan’s democratic values,” Khan told the newspaper.

He added that he would “rather live the rest of my life in prison than compromise on my principles.”

Khan now faces upwards of a hundred cases he claims are trumped up. Nonetheless, as his time in jail has dragged on and the cases against him have mounted, the former prime minister’s rhetoric towards the current military establishment has taken a more conciliatory tone.

The government has still yet to confirm if they intend to try Khan in a military rather than civilian court, on some charges. He denies all charges.

“How can any civilian ever be tried in a military court, let alone a former prime minister?” said Khan. “It’s ludicrous. The only reason to try a civilian in military court is simply, because no other court of justice would convict me. The very idea of it is alarming.”