Pakistan’s ISI wants UAE to mediate between army and Imran Khan, ex-PM’s life under threat: sources

Last updated:Nov 26, 2024 09:03 IST

The UAE had earlier refused to intervene due to unpopular sentiments against Pakistani army chief Asim Munir.

Activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, take part in a public meeting on the outskirts of Islamabad. (Image: AFP)

Pakistan’s ISI wants the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to intervene to bring matters between the military and former Prime Minister Imran Khan under control, sources said. The UAE had earlier refused to intervene due to unpopular sentiments against the Pakistani army chief.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Dr Salman Ahmed, a close aide of Imran Khan, said that the Pakistan Army has approached the UAE to mediate between them and Khan. An ISI delegation was in the UAE on the issue, sources said.

Sources said initial indications suggest the UAE was reluctant to work with Pakistani army chief Asim Munir. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had earlier distanced itself from Asim Munir due to unpopular sentiments against him in Pakistan and within the military.

The UAE and KSA both believe that the PDM and the military regime have failed Pakistan on all fronts, sources said.

Sources said that Imran Khan has refused to move to Banigala. “Imran Khan’s life is under threat and the Pakistani army wants to kill him,” sources said.

Meanwhile, at least one police officer was killed and dozens of people were injured on Monday when supporters of Imran Khan clashed with security forces outside Islamabad. Khan had called for a march on parliament followed by a sit-in protest against his arrest.

Khan has been in prison since August 2022 after being voted out of power following a feud with the Pakistani military.