Query about Imran’s missives: Will send to PM without reading if any letter received, says COAS

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has denied receiving a letter from PTI founder Imran Khan, stating that even if he did receive it, he wouldn’t bother reading it.

In an informal chat with journalists at a reception hosted by the prime minister in honour of Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdo an, General Asim Munir denied claims made by PTI leadership that Imran Khan wrote letters to him. Army Chief General Asim Munir categorically denied receiving any letter, stating he wouldn’t bother reading it even if it arrives. Instead, he’d promptly forward it to the prime minister. General Munir expressed optimism about Pakistan’s progress, emphasizing the country is moving forward and making positive strides.

TV anchorperson journalist Asma Shirazi said this in Geo News programme, ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’ on Thursday.

She said, “General Asim Munir does not meet people while General Bajwa’s various interactions and long meetings were well known.”

She said there was quite a small number of journalists at lunch hosted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in honour of Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan. She said when General Asim Munir passed by the journalists, they stopped him and asked how things were going on. At this, the army chief said, “There are very good things as Pakistan is making progress. Pakistan is on the rise. Pakistan has to move forward.”

When asked about letters being written by the PTI founder Imran Khan, Asma quoted the COAS as saying he has not not been getting any letter and if gets any, he won’t read it and would post it to the prime minister.

He added, Asma said, such letters are pointless, gimmicks and media optics to seek attention.

The government, on the other hand, earlier reacted strongly to Imran’s move to write letters to the army chief, with PM’s Adviser on Public and Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah saying that they intend to create divisions between the military and the public or sow misunderstandings within the army’s command.

Sanaullah questioned the origin of Khan’s letters from jail, asking: “Where are these letters coming from? If he wants to engage in political struggle, he should do so in parliament.”

Only a day ago, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry disclosed that Khan had written a third letter to the army chief, alleging widespread rigging in the February 8 elections.

Khan claimed that the manipulation of polls had enabled money launderers to seize power, further eroding trust in the electoral process.