Imran says ready to apologise if involvement of PTI in May 9 riots proved

RAWALPINDI: Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced on Wednesday that he is willing to offer a conditional apology for the May 9 riots, provided that CCTV footage of the violent protests is presented beforehand.

The former prime minister, currently imprisoned, stated that he would apologize if it was proven that PTI activists were involved in the violent protests that erupted across the country last year following his arrest at the Islamabad High Court on corruption charges.

The protests, which included attacks on public property and military installations, prompted both civil and military leaders to consider prosecuting the rioters under the Army Act.

Khan has repeatedly distanced his party from the protests, claiming that the riots were premeditated to justify a crackdown on the opposition.

“I will dismiss and seek punishment for any PTI members found involved in the May 9 incidents,” he asserted.

Reflecting on his arrest on May 9 last year, Khan lamented being “dragged” by Rangers, adding, “There is no respect for a popular person in Pakistan and globally.”

Don’t you feel obliged to apologize to me?” questioned the PTI founder.

This latest statement comes as the PTI founder has recently toned down his political rhetoric and suggested holding talks with the military.

Ahead of Monday’s anniversary of his imprisonment on numerous charges, including corruption and leaking state secrets, Khan told Reuters that it would be “foolish” not to have “excellent” relations with the army.

In written responses to Reuters’ questions, Khan also stated that he held no grudges against the United States, which he has previously blamed for his 2022 removal from office.

“Given Pakistan’s geographical position and the military’s significant role in the private sector, it would be foolish not to foster such a relationship,” Khan wrote in replies relayed by his media and legal team.

“We are proud of our soldiers and armed forces,” he added.

Khan emphasized that his criticisms since his ouster were aimed at individuals, not the military as an institution.

“The miscalculations of the military leadership shouldn’t be held against the institution as a whole.”

Last week, Khan offered to hold “conditional negotiations” with the military if “clean and transparent” elections were held and the “bogus” cases against his supporters were dropped.

“We are open to any dialogue that could help improve the dire situation in Pakistan,” he said, adding that it was pointless to open any such talks with the coalition government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which he claims lacks public support due to a stolen election in February.

Khan argued that it would be “more productive to engage with those who actually wield power.”

Khan’s imprisonment has further exacerbated the political instability in the country, which is also facing a prolonged economic crisis and recently received a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.