Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has conditionally offered to apologize for the May 9 riots, provided the public can access the CCTV footage of the events.
Speaking to the media from Adiala Jail, Khan stressed the importance of the footage in identifying the responsible individuals and promised justice for any implicated party members. “If we find that PTI members were involved, I will expel them and issue an apology,” he declared.
Khan maintained that his party was the victim on May 9 and challenged the withholding of evidence. “It’s a crime to hide evidence,” he asserted, adding that authorities ‘kidnapped’ him under the pretence of an arrest, for which he also deserves an apology.
He reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest and urged the release of CCTV footage to accurately identify the instigators.
Khan was ready to engage with the army on national dialogue for stability. “The army is a national institution that we must protect. We aim for stability, not chaos; I am ready to engage in talks with the military for the country’s sake,” he explained.
Khan also responded to queries about the use of petrol bombs by PTI supporters on May 9, confirming their use exclusively within Zaman Park, Lahore. He emphasized, “Any party official involved in these violent acts should face severe consequences.”
Khan committed to dialogue within constitutional limits and reiterated the need for the military to designate a representative for negotiations. He continued to press for the return of PTI’s allegedly stolen mandate.
Responding to Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s refusal to dialogue with the military, Khan noted, “Achakzai will only hold discussions with political parties.”
