RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan declared on Wednesday that he would be prepared to issue a conditional apology for the May 9 riots, given that CCTV evidence of the violent demonstrations is produced in advance. Following his detention at the Islamabad High Court on corruption charges, the former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated, declared that he would repent if it was established that PTI activists were responsible for the violent protests that broke out across the nation the previous year.
The demonstrations, which included assaults on military and public properties, led military and civil authorities to think about charging the rioters under the Army Act. Khan has consistently distanced his party from the demonstrations, alleging that the unrest was planned to support the use of force against the opposition.
“Any PTI members found involved in the May 9 incidents will be dismissed, and I will pursue punishment for them,” he declared. Khan regretted being “dragged” by Rangers during his detention on May 9 of last year, saying, “There is no respect for a popular person in Pakistan and globally.” Do you not think you must apologize to me? Asked the PTI’s originator.
The PTI founder has recently tempered his political language and urged having talks with the military, which coincides with this most recent comment. Before his incarceration on multiple counts, encompassing corruption and disclosing state secrets, on Monday, Khan informed Reuters that it would be “idiotic” to maintain “superb” ties with the army. In written answers to queries from Reuters, Khan added that he had no resentment toward the US, which he had previously held accountable for his ouster from government in 2022.
In responses that his media and legal team transcribed, Khan wrote, “Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship.” He added, “We are proud of our armed forces and soldiers.” Khan made it clear that his critiques of the military since his removal had been directed at specific people rather than the organization. “The military leadership’s mistakes should not be used as an excuse to criticize the institution as a whole.”
In written answers to queries from Reuters, Khan added that he had no resentment toward the US, which he had previously held accountable for his ouster from the government in 2022. In responses that his media and legal team transcribed, Khan wrote, “Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship.”
He then on, “We are proud of our armed forces and soldiers.” Khan made it clear that his critiques of the military since his removal had been directed at specific people rather than the organization. “The military leadership’s mistakes should not be used as an excuse to criticize the institution as a whole.”
Khan said last week that he would engage in “conditional negotiations” with the military in exchange for “clean and transparent” elections and the dismissal of “bogus” charges brought against his allies. He said, “We are open to any dialogue that could help improve the dire situation in Pakistan,” but pointed out that it would be futile to start such discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government, which he alleges lacks popular support as a result of a rigged election in February.
“It would be more productive to engage with those who wield power,” Khan contended. Amidst a protracted economic crisis and a recent bailout from the International Monetary Fund, Khan’s incarceration has intensified the political unrest in the nation.
