Lt-Gen Lodhi claims there was a contact between establishment and IK

ISLAMABAD: Former secretary defence Lt-General (R) Naeem Khalid Lodhi has said that the military establishment had contacted Imran Khan but there was no outcome.

Talking to The News, the retired general said it was in his knowledge that the military establishment had indirectly contacted Imran Khan.

He said the message for Imran Khan was to admit that he had planned the May 9 attacks, apologise for the same and assure that he would never repeat any such act in future.

Lodhi added that Imran Khan replied he never planned the May 9 attacks, condemned those involved in arson and hooliganism and said he would ensure those who were involved in these incidents were removed from the PTI.

General Lodhi said that he was not aware of any post-election contact between the two but he thinks there is a possibility of such initiatives.

According to Lodhi, Imran Khan and PTI should accept the reality of the institution of Pakistan Army and avoid confronting them.

He also added that since the PTI has emerged as the most popular political entity, therefore, the military establishment should also recognise it and pave the way for some reconciliation in the best interest of Pakistan