ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected political development, four retired military generals have filed a petition before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) seeking permission to meet with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The petition, citing long-standing associations and the urgency of national matters, has sparked speculation about possible backchannel efforts to reopen political dialogue.
The petition, submitted by Advocate Ahsan Ayyaz Khan before ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah, includes retired Lieutenant Generals Zahid Akbar, Sikandar Afzal, Farooq Khan, and Major General Masood Burki. While the court has received the request, it has yet to grant permission for the meeting.
Motives and Timing Raise Questions
According to the petition, the generals have a “long association” with Imran Khan and wish to urgently discuss “important national matters” with him. This has prompted observers to ask whether this is simply a personal initiative or part of a broader attempt to open a backchannel dialogue between the former prime minister and the establishment.
The political context is sensitive. After the Pahalgam attack, the Pakistani government has called for unity to counter threats from India. At the same time, PTI leaders have expressed concerns about restrictions placed on Khan’s family, including limitations on visitation rights. The petition by these ex-generals arrives amid these heightened political tensions.
Who Are the Retired Generals?
- Lt Gen (R) Sikandar Afzal was commissioned in 1972 and served key roles under General (R) Pervez Musharraf, including DG (Analysis) at the ISI and Corps Commander Multan. His political affiliations, if any, remain undeclared.
- Maj Gen (R) Masood Burki, a 27 PMA Long Course graduate and author of Blueprint for a Stable and Viable Pakistan, has criticized traditional parties and subtly supported Khan’s reformist ideas via social media.
- Lt Gen (R) Farooq Khan and Lt Gen (R) Zahid Akbar have no known direct political ties to PTI, but claim long-standing connections with Khan in their petition.
PTI’s Response: No Official Ties
Speaking to the media, PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that none of the generals have official ties with the party. “Many ex-servicemen admire Imran Khan without being part of PTI,” he said, adding that due to the current political environment, many such supporters remain silent.
When asked whether the petition was a covert attempt to initiate talks, Akram was dismissive. “If this were an official mission, they wouldn’t need court approval. This seems personal, not political,” he stated.
Conclusion: A Symbolic Gesture or a Strategic Move?
Whether the meeting request is purely personal or a subtle signal of deeper political undercurrents remains to be seen. What is clear is that the involvement of high-ranking retired military officials in seeking access to Imran Khan underscores his enduring political relevance — and possibly, the urgency some feel about resolving Pakistan’s deepening political divide.
Category: Politics, Pakistan News, Security & Military, PTI Updates
Tags: Imran Khan, PTI news, Pakistan Army, retired generals Pakistan, political dialogue, backchannel talks, Anti-Terrorism Court, Sikandar Afzal, Masood Burki, Farooq Khan, Zahid Akbar
