Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, announced on Wednesday that he is willing to offer a conditional apology for the riots on May 9. Khan, who is currently jailed, stated that he would apologize if evidence shows PTI activists were involved in the violent protests that erupted last year.
The riots began after Khan’s arrest at Islamabad High Court over corruption charges. Protesters attacked public properties, including military installations, leading authorities to decide to try the rioters under the Army Act.
Khan, detained in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, has repeatedly distanced his party from the violence, claiming the riots were orchestrated to target his party. He pledged to punish any PTI members found guilty.
“There is no respect for a popular person in Pakistan and globally,” Khan lamented, referring to his arrest. He also questioned whether he deserved an apology.
Khan’s statement marks a shift in his political approach, as he recently expressed a willingness to negotiate with the military, particularly if transparent elections are held and charges against his supporters are dropped. He believes such negotiations would be more productive than engaging with the current government, which he claims lacks public support due to a “stolen election.”
Ahead of the anniversary of his jailing, Khan told Reuters that fostering good relations with the military was essential given Pakistan’s situation. He clarified that his past criticisms targeted individuals, not the military institution as a whole.
However, the Pakistan Army, through spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, has dismissed any change in their stance regarding the May 9 protests, maintaining that there will be no negotiations with PTI.
Khan’s imprisonment has intensified Pakistan’s political instability amid an ongoing economic crisis, with the country recently securing a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
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