In a recent statement, Imran Khan Offers Conditional Apology for May 9 Crisis, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence before taking responsibility. Speaking from Adiala Jail, the PTI founder stressed that if CCTV footage confirms the involvement of his party members in the violent protests that erupted following his arrest, he will not hesitate to apologize and take appropriate actions against those responsible.
The riots, marked by attacks on public and military properties, prompted both civil and military leadership to prosecute the rioters under the Army Act. Imran Khan, incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, has repeatedly distanced PTI from the protests, claiming they were pre-planned to justify a crackdown on the opposition.
“I will dismiss and seek punishment for any PTI members involved in the May 9 incidents,” Imran Khan asserted. Referring to his own arrest, he lamented, “There is no respect for a popular figure in Pakistan and globally.”
Imran Khan’s recent statements indicate a softening of his political stance, with an offer to engage in talks with the military. He acknowledged that it would be “foolish” not to maintain “excellent” relations with the army, considering Pakistan’s geopolitical position and the military’s influence in the private sector. Despite previous criticisms, Imran Khan clarified that his issues were with certain individuals, not the military institution.
Last week, Imran Khan proposed “conditional negotiations” with the military, contingent on “clean and transparent” elections and the dismissal of “bogus” cases against his supporters. He admitted that PTI activists used petrol bombs during clashes at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore and called for any involved party members to be penalized based on CCTV evidence.
Imran Khan also commented on the recent statements by DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry regarding mafias funding anti-Pakistan campaigns. He criticized the return of figures like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari to power after allegedly rigged elections.
Imran Khan emphasized the importance of defending the Pakistan Army as a national institution and expressed his willingness to engage in talks for the country’s sake, albeit only if the other party is interested. Drawing parallels to the ouster of Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina, Imran Khan hinted at looming significant events in Pakistan.
In response to a journalist’s query about his views on Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman, Khan cited the findings of the Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission regarding the 1971 fall of Dhaka, distancing his assertions from personal opinions.
Meanwhile, DG ISPR reaffirmed the army’s unchanged stance on the May 9 protests, rejecting reports of negotiations with PTI leadership. “The Army’s stance on [May 9] is clear and unchanged since the May 7 [2024] press conference,” he reiterated.
