Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder and deposed prime minister Imran Khan stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with the military, asserting that it would be “foolish” not to.

In a written response to questions from Reuters at Adiala Jail - where he will mark one year of his imprisonment on August 5 - Mr Khan reiterated his belief that strengthening ties with the military is essential.

He highlighted the importance of this relationship given Pakistan's geopolitical position and the military's significant role in the country's private sector.

The PTI founder expressed no personal grievances against the United States, although he maintains that the US played a role in his ousting through a no-confidence vote in 2022.

“Given Pakistan’s strategic position and the significant role of the military, promoting better relations is not just wise but necessary,” Khan stated.

He also clarified that his criticisms have targeted specific military leaders rather than the institution as a whole.

“Misjudgments by military leadership should not be held against the institution,” he added.

Khan’s remarks come amid heightened political tension. On Wednesday, he proposed that he would be willing to engage in “conditional negotiations” with the military, provided that transparent elections are conducted and “bogus” cases against his party members are withdrawn.

In his statement to Reuters, Khan did not specify the terms of potential discussions with the military but reiterated his openness to any dialogue that could alleviate Pakistan's current political and economic crises.

“Engaging with those who wield actual power is more productive than negotiating with a government we view as illegitimate,” he asserted.