Khan says it would be 'foolish' not to have good relations with army

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan once again extended an olive branch to the military establishment, offering them to hold talks.

In response to questions asked by Reuters, the former prime minister said that it would be "foolish not to have good relations with the army".

Refraining from his past allegations of America's involvement in his ouster from the office in 2022, Mr Khan said that he held "no grudges against the United States (US)".

"Given Pakistan's geographical position and the military's significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship," the veteran politician told the publication.

"We are proud of our soldiers and armed forces."

Mr Khan reiterated his stance that his criticisms were not against the institution but the individual.

"The miscalculations of the military leadership shouldn't be held against the institution as a whole," he said.

However, the ousted prime minister once again accused the military of backing "politically motivated cases" against him.

"We are open to any dialogue that could help improve the dire situation in Pakistan," he added.

But, the 71-year-old politician denied holding talks with political parties, including PML-N and PPP, whom he alleged of stealing his mandate in the February 8 election.

"It would be more productive to engage with those who actually wield power," the ex-premier added.

Earlier on July 30, Mr Khan showed readiness to hold talks with the South Asian country's powerful military.

"We are ready to sit on a negotiation table with the army. The army should appoint its representative, we will hold talks," the politician said while talking to the media at Adiala jail.