Military establishment distances itself from ongoing PTI-govt talks

ISLAMABAD: The military establishment has made it clear that it has nothing to do with the ongoing reported behind the scene contacts between the PTI and the government.

A source, associated with the establishment, while talking to The News on Friday categorically denied the impression, given or perceived by some people, as if these background contacts are either the consequence of the initiative of the security establishment or there is any interaction between the institution and the PTI.

“Our position is clear that the Army will not talk to any political party. It is for the political parties to talk to each other,” the source said, adding that the Pakistan Army will not hold any dialogue with any political leader or political party.

The source, while referring to the press conference addressed by the DGISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif in May this year, said that the institution stated position remains unchanged.

During his press conference in May, the DGISPR was asked about the possibility of any deal with PTI and Imran Khan. He had stated that the Army has no political role. “The Army is apolitical and its relationship with every government is in accordance with the Constitution and law,” he had clarified.

“All political parties are respectable for us. However, if any political group attacks its own army, no one will interact with it. The only way for such an anarchist group is to apologise to the nation, promise to shun the politics of hatred and do constructive politics,” he had said, and stressed, “In any case, such a dialogue should take place between political parties. It is not appropriate for the Army to be involved.” The News, while quoting a senior defence source, had also reported on November 2 that the military’s policy, as announced earlier, remains unchanged and if Imran Khan and the PTI want to seek any relief or concession, the only way forward for them is to talk to the political parties, including those representing the government, and not the army or its chief.