"We are proud of our soldiers and armed forces," says jailed Imran Khan

Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan said that he feels proud of the country's soldiers and armed forces.

He made the remarks in response to the questions, related to his recent olive branch extended to the country's military, asked to him by the international publication, Reuters.

The veteran politician said that it would be foolish not to have good relations with the army.

"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 former prime minister 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.

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.