Always advised PTI chief to maintain good relations with institutions: Sheikh Rashid

Pakistan Awami League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Friday that he had always advised PTI chief Imran Khan to maintain good relations with state institutions, Aaj News reported.

In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, a first after being arrested from his Islamabad residence last month, Sheikh Rashid said Imran Khan was a “stubborn” politician and did what he deemed fit.

He said the PTI chief, Shireen Mazari, and a few other senior party leaders made a narrative against institutions, which backfired.

To a question about his disappearance from the political scene after May 9, the former minister said that he had gone to perform a ‘Chilla’ [a 40-day spiritual retreat].

Sheikh Rasheed said that he was part of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on cipher and that three people were negotiating with the army on behalf of the PTI chairman.

“All three of them have left Imran and formed their own parties,” Sheikh Rashid said, adding that Imran had asked his negotiation team to end the talks with the army.

The former minister also said that he was out of the country when May 9 events took place and that he already condemned the events that transpired following Imran Khan’s arrest.

However, he went on to add that non-political people played an important role in the May 9 incidents.

He also said that a politician should never call out a soldier. The former minister said that he feels proud of calling himself a ‘spokesperson’ of the armed forces.

AML chief said that the country cannot run without institutions, and that politicians and institutions should work together.