Imran Khan Stands Firm Against Military’s Demands
Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has rejected calls from the military to apologize for the events of May 9 and has distanced his party from the violent protests that followed his arrest last year.
“Why should I be the one to apologize? The apology should be directed towards me,” said the ousted prime minister during a casual interaction with reporters at Adiala Jail on Wednesday.
Facing charges ranging from corruption to breaches of the Official Secrets Act, Imran remained steadfast in his stance.
His defiance came after the Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) urged those involved in the violent protests on May 9 to seek forgiveness and shun the politics of “anarchy” before engaging in dialogue.
During the press conference, the military spokesperson categorically dismissed the possibility of dialogue with individuals who targeted military installations and disrespected the nation’s martyrs, stating that those responsible for the May 9 events would face consequences according to the Constitution and the law.
In response, Imran Khan expressed readiness for any inquiry into his party’s 2014 sit-in, following hints from the chief military spokesperson about a possible judicial probe into the event. “I will gladly appear before the inquiry committee. The allegations against me regarding the 2014 sit-in are false… the 2013 election was overseen by Returning Officers (ROs),” he stated.
Imran also questioned the feasibility of negotiations with the federal government in light of former caretaker prime minister Anwarul Haq Kakar’s reference to Form-47. Kakar’s remarks during a heated exchange with PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi suggested the potential disclosure of information that could embarrass the PML-N.
Imran criticized electoral processes, alleging fraudulent elections for president, prime minister, Punjab chief minister, and the Senate. He claimed private conversations with PML-N members revealed their belief that elections and Nawaz Sharif’s return depended on Justice Qazi Faiz Isa becoming chief justice.
Asserting his familial ties to the military and bureaucracy, Imran emphasized harmony with the armed forces. “The army belongs to us, and we have no conflicts with it,” he declared.
He clarified that he learned about the events of May 9 only upon appearing in the Supreme Court and condemned them in front of the then-chief justice, Umar Atta Bandial.
Imran pleaded against involving the army in politics, highlighting his party’s history of avoiding agitation and even dissolving governments for elections to prevent chaos.
