Imran Khan
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has recently stated that the army owes him an apology, alleging that he was “abducted” by Rangers on May 9, 2023.
This assertion was made during a media interaction at Adiala Jail, where Khan responded to questions about whether he would apologize for the violent protests that occurred on May 9.
Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asserted that he was arrested by the Rangers, an organization led by a serving major general, while he was at the Islamabad High Court.
Khan’s comments come in the context of a broader dispute with the military. Since May 7, when ISPR Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif suggested that any dialogue with the PTI could be considered if the party apologized for its alleged “politics of anarchy,” Khan has repeatedly refused to apologize.
He has also expressed a willingness to engage in talks with the military establishment but not with the government, which he considers ineffective and irrelevant in the current context.
Khan has criticized the government, stating that engaging with it would be counterproductive due to what he describes as an “unannounced martial law.”
He believes that negotiations should be conducted with the military, which he considers the true authority. In his media talk, Khan reiterated his stance that dialogue should only occur within the framework of the Constitution.
Responding to the news that Mahmood Khan Achakzai had declined to act as the focal person for proposed talks with the establishment, Khan noted that Achakzai was initially nominated to negotiate with political parties.
Khan had earlier indicated that while his party is open to talks with the military, certain conditions must be met first.
These include the return of what he calls his party’s “stolen mandate,” the release of detained party workers, and the holding of transparent elections. Khan also urged the military to appoint representatives for negotiations.
In addition to his political commentary, Khan also addressed personal issues. He reported suffering from food poisoning on two occasions, attributing the issue to the lack of a refrigerator in his cell, which compromised the storage of his food.
He also discussed the Toshakhana reference, in which he and his wife are accused, describing it as a “clear violation” of the National Accountability Ordinance.
Khan claimed that he still possesses the Graff watch he is accused of selling, and he has moved valuable items from his Banigala residence to a safer location following a raid in March of the previous year.
Khan has warned of potential legal action against the NAB chairman, the interior minister, and other officials whom he accuses of implicating him in false cases.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the 190 million pounds corruption reference were adjourned by the accountability court until August 7, as Khan’s legal team requested that he be allowed to call his children for testimony. The court has issued notices to the jail administration regarding this matter.
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