Imran Opposes Military Operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has strongly opposed any plans for a new military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and its tribal districts. In a message shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, which is reportedly not directly operated by him but reflects his views, Khan urged KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to block any federal move toward renewed military action in the province.

“I convey a clear message to Ali Amin that the federation must not be allowed to conduct another military operation in KP and the tribal areas,” the statement read. Khan further warned that armed confrontations between the military and civilians weaken state institutions and called for the use of traditional dispute resolution systems and community dialogue instead. He also emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan to address cross-border concerns and improve regional relations.

In response, Chief Minister Gandapur confirmed that the KP government had initiated jirgas in several tribal districts, including Khyber, Orakzai, Darra Adam Khel, and Hassan Khel. These meetings involved local elders, parliamentarians, and tribal leaders and aimed to explore peaceful, non-military avenues for restoring law and order. Gandapur publicly aligned his strategy with Khan’s recommendations, stating that the provincial government would prioritize peace through local consensus rather than force.

These developments come amid rising security concerns in KP and ongoing counterterrorism operations by the federal government. Notably, Operation Sarbakaf was recently launched to address insurgent threats. While provincial leaders call for negotiation and traditional mechanisms, the federal government maintains that targeted military action remains necessary in some high-risk areas.

Separately, Imran Khan appeared in court on Saturday during proceedings for the Toshakhana II case. The hearing took place inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are currently detained. Khan informed Special Judge Shahrukh Arjumand that he had recently been allowed to speak by phone with his sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, for over an hour. He also noted that he has access to a working television and newspapers in his jail cell.

During the session, testimony was recorded from National Accountability Bureau Assistant Director Aftab Ahmed. Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Arshad Tabraiz, completed the cross-examination, while Khan’s counsel, Qausain Mufti, is expected to continue questioning at the next hearing. Two additional witnesses, Rabia and Sana, have been summoned to testify at the upcoming session scheduled for August 6.

Outside the court, Khan clarified that his sons will visit Pakistan only to meet him and not to engage in any political activities or public demonstrations. His sister, Aleema Khan, previously explained that both sons have applied for reissuance of their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) and temporary visas due to issues with their existing documents.

The situation continues to develop as legal proceedings progress and political tensions over KP’s security policy remain under national scrutiny.