RAWALPINDI: Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has firmly declined the military’s demand for an apology regarding the May 9 events, distancing his party from the violent protests that ensued following his arrest last year.
During an informal conversation with journalists at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where he has been detained since August last year on various charges including corruption and violating the Official Secrets Act, Khan asserted his stance, questioning why he should tender an apology when it should be sought from him.
His response stemmed from Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Tuesday’s press conference, where the military demanded an apology from those involved in the violent May 9 protests and urged them to renounce the politics of anarchy before initiating any dialogue.
In the lengthy press conference, the chief military spokesperson emphasized that dialogue with individuals who attacked military installations and disrespected the nation’s martyrs was out of the question, emphasizing the need for punishment in accordance with the law.
The May 9 events were a result of protests triggered by Khan’s arrest in a corruption case from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC) last year, during which alleged PTI supporters engaged in violent acts, damaging public and private properties and attacking military installations across the country.
Addressing journalists, Imran Khan distanced PTI from the violent protests, emphasizing the party’s history of non-violence over its 27-year existence. He reiterated his condemnation of the May 9 incidents during his appearance before former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial in the Supreme Court.
Regarding the link between dialogue and apology as stated by the DG ISPR, Khan expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue for the betterment of Pakistan, emphasizing that he neither sought a deal nor harbored any desire to flee the country.
Furthermore, Khan supported the call for a judicial inquiry into the 2014 sit-in staged by PTI against alleged election rigging, affirming his readiness to appear before an inquiry committee to refute false allegations against him.
Finally, Khan underscored the importance of keeping the military out of politics, asserting that the army belongs to the nation and should not be dragged into political matters.
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