Imran Khan, the incarcerated founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has refused to apologize for the May 9 events and demands an apology.
During an informal conversation with journalists in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Wednesday, where he has been held since last August on various charges, including corruption, Khan responded to a question about the recent demand from the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for an apology from those involved in the violent protests.
Khan questioned why he should apologize for actions he was not involved in, pointing out that the demand for an apology should instead be directed at him.
The ISPR had previously stated that those who engaged in violence on May 9 must apologize and abandon the politics of anarchy before any dialogue could proceed. The military spokesperson also emphasized that there would be no discussions with those who attacked military installations or disrespected national martyrs.
Khan highlighted his surprise upon learning about the May 9 riots only when he appeared before then-Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial at the Supreme Court, where he condemned the incidents.
He reiterated his stance on not wanting to negotiate any “deal” or flee the country, contrasting the handling of the Capitol riots in the United States in 2021 with the investigation into the May 9 violence in Pakistan, where he claimed CCTV evidence had disappeared.
Furthermore, Khan supported the DG ISPR’s recommendation for a judicial inquiry into PTI’s 2014 sit-in, which protested alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with an inquiry, denying all allegations related to the sit-in.
Khan also appealed to keep the military out of political affairs, emphasizing, “The army is ours, and we have no problem with it. For God’s sake, do not drag the military into politics.”
