Pakistan’s jailed former PM Imran Khan says ‘army should apologise’

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, has refused to apologize for the riots that took place on May 9, 2023, after his arrest and claimed that the army owes him an apology for his “abduction” by the paramilitary rangers on the day of the violence. Khan was arrested by the Pakistan Rangers from the Islamabad High Court premises during his appearance in a corruption case.

His arrest led to protests and riots by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, causing damage to both civilian and military installations across the country. The army spokesperson, Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif, stated that dialogue with the PTI could only happen if the party apologized for its “politics of anarchy.” This statement was followed by calls for Khan and PTI to apologize for the “Black Day” violence.

During a media talk at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Khan stated that he saw no reason to apologize for the May 9 violence, as he was arrested by the rangers led by a serving major general from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. He also expressed his willingness to talk to the army rather than the government and insisted that negotiations with the government would be “a futile exercise.”

Khan also mentioned that talks with “people in the power corridors” would be within the ambit of the Constitution. He stated that he was ready for talks with the military establishment but laid down preconditions, including the return of his party’s “stolen mandate,” the release of all detained party workers, and the holding of transparent elections. Khan also urged the military to nominate their representatives for talks.

Referring to his prison conditions, Khan revealed that he had suffered from food poisoning twice due to improper food preservation and discussed a new Toshakhana reference in which he and his wife are accused.

He warned of legal proceedings against the NAB chairman, interior minister, and those officers who implicated him in “false cases.” The accountability court adjourned the proceedings in the 190 million pounds Al-Qadir Trust corruption case until August 7, as Khan’s counsel was unavailable for the cross-examination of the investigation officer.

Additionally, Khan’s legal team requested that he be allowed to call his children, and the court issued notices to the jail administration for the same.