‘Holds no real power’: Imran Khan calls Pakistan government ‘puppet,’ says he will talk only with military

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple cases following his government’s ousting in April 2022.

Updated on: May 24, 2025, 21:19:13 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that he will only negotiate with the military establishment, dismissing talks with the “puppet” Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government as pointless.

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan at a press conference in Lahore on May 18, 2023, (AP File)

Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been imprisoned since August 2023 and faces multiple cases following his government’s ousting in April 2022.

“Engaging in any talks with the puppet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government is pointless. This illegitimate Form-47 installed government has already wasted two months. Its only objective is to cling to false authority. It holds no real power,” Khan posted on X.

He added, “Talks will only be held with those who actually hold power (military establishment), and only in the national interest. I do not fear hardship as my resolve remains strong.”

Khan alleged that fabricated political cases, forced abductions, and coerced press conferences aim to force PTI members to publicly disassociate from the party, asserting, “All prove that the rule of law has been entirely dismantled. What we now have is the law of the jungle.”

Imran Khan denies any negotiation attempts

He also condemned ongoing trials related to the May 9, 2023 events as a “false flag operation” intended to crush PTI, saying that “No CCTV footage has been presented to this day.”

Refuting claims of any negotiation attempts, Khan said, “No one has approached me for any negotiations. News claiming otherwise is entirely false.”

He further lamented restrictions on his family visits and medical care but vowed, “Despite this, I will continue to stand firm for the sake of my nation.”

The statements on X mention that Imran Khan shares his messages from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail with lawyers, who then post them on his account.

Earlier, Khan had also slammed Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s promotion to field marshal, saying in a statement on X that the title of “king” would have been more fitting.

With PTI inputs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.