Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has firmly refused the military’s demand for an apology regarding the May 9 events, distancing his party from the violent protests that ensued last year following his arrest.
Speaking from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, where he has been detained since August last year on charges ranging from corruption to violating the Official Secrets Act, the deposed prime minister dismissed the notion of apologizing. “Why should I tender an apology? It should be sought from me,” Khan asserted during an informal exchange with journalists.
Khan’s remarks came in response to the Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement made during Tuesday’s press conference, where he called for those involved in the May 9 violent protests to apologize and renounce politics of “anarchy” before engaging in dialogue.
The military spokesperson also emphasized that dialogue would not be entertained with individuals who attacked military installations and disrespected the nation’s martyrs, insisting that the perpetrators of the May 9 events must face punishment according to the law.
The protests erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case from the premises of the Islamabad High Court last year, with alleged PTI supporters being implicated in the violence that ensued, including damage to public and private property and attacks on military installations across the country.
During his interaction with journalists, Khan distanced his party from the violent protests, asserting that PTI has never resorted to violence throughout its 27-year history. He claimed to have condemned the May 9 incidents when presented before the former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial in the Supreme Court.
Regarding the military’s linkage of dialogue with an apology, Khan stated, “If you don’t want to talk, then don’t. I am asking for holding dialogues for the sake of Pakistan.” He reiterated his lack of interest in making any deals or seeking refuge abroad.
Khan drew parallels to the Capitol riots in the United States in 2021, highlighting the contrast in handling the situations, particularly the disappearance of CCTV footage in Pakistan’s investigation into the May 9 violence.
Additionally, Khan expressed support for the call by DG ISPR Maj Gen Chaudhry to conduct a judicial inquiry into the 2014 sit-in staged by PTI against alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections, affirming his readiness to appear before an inquiry committee and dismissing allegations against him as false.
In his closing remarks, Khan emphasized the importance of keeping the military out of politics, stating, “The army is ours and we have no problem with the army. For God’s sake, do not drag the military into politics.”
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