PTI leader Azam Swati has disclosed that in 2022, former Prime Minister Imran Khan sought to open communication channels with the military establishment through intermediaries, including former President Arif Alvi. Despite multiple attempts, these efforts did not yield the desired results.

In a video message, Azam Swati detailed that Imran Khan, expressing concern over the strained relations with the military, instructed him to approach the then-newly appointed Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to initiate dialogue. Khan emphasized the importance of confidentiality in these efforts, stating that if the establishment was willing to talk, he had been ready since day one, claimed Swati.

Swati recounted that, following Khan’s directive, he attempted to reach out to General Munir through several avenues:

• General Munir’s mentor: Swati sought to leverage the influence of an individual regarded as a mentor to General Munir.

• Former President Arif Alvi: Efforts were made to utilize Alvi’s position and connections to facilitate communication.

• Prominent journalist: A well-known media figure was also approached to mediate the dialogue.

Despite these concerted efforts, Swati noted that the doors for dialogue remained closed.

Personal challenges and party dynamics

Swati addressed allegations from a vlogger, clarifying that on November 26, 2022, he was incarcerated in Attock Jail, questioning the credibility of claims suggesting he abandoned the party’s mission. He emphasized his commitment to party unity and expressed support for Ali Amin Gandapur, whom Imran Khan had nominated as Chief Minister. Swati stated, “I don’t want division in the party,” underscoring his alignment with the party’s leadership decisions.

Context of the outreach efforts

The outreach initiatives took place in the aftermath of General Asim Munir’s appointment as Army Chief in December 2022. Imran Khan, facing increasing tensions with the military and public criticism from military personnel, sought to mend relations through dialogue. Swati’s revelations shed light on the behind-the-scenes efforts by PTI leadership to navigate the complex civil-military dynamics during that period.

These disclosures provide insight into the challenges faced by political leaders in Pakistan when attempting to engage with the military establishment, highlighting the intricate balance of power and the difficulties in establishing open lines of communication.

In the beginning of the video, Swati said he was making the statement on oath. ‘Quran per haath rakh kr kehta hun…’