May 9 Riots: Imran Khan ready to tender conditional apology

Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced his willingness to issue a conditional apology for the May 9 riots that erupted in 2023. Speaking from a makeshift courtroom setup in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Khan emphasized that any apology would be contingent upon the presentation of CCTV footage from the protests, which he claims will clarify the involvement of PTI activists.

The May 9 riots, triggered by Khan’s arrest at the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case, led to extensive damage to public and military property across Pakistan. In response, the civil and military authorities moved to prosecute the rioters under the Army Act.

Khan, currently detained in Adiala Jail, has consistently denied PTI’s involvement in the violence, alleging that the unrest was orchestrated as part of a larger scheme to suppress his party. He reiterated his stance, stating, “If PTI members are found responsible for the May 9 incidents, I will personally seek punishment for them and remove them from the party.”

Reflecting on his arrest, Khan criticized the treatment he received, saying he was “dragged” by Rangers and lamenting the lack of respect for high-profile figures in Pakistan and globally. He further questioned, “Don’t you feel obliged to apologise to me?”

In a shift from his previous hardline stance, Khan has recently toned down his political rhetoric and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the military. As the anniversary of his arrest approaches, he described maintaining “excellent” relations with the army as “essential” due to Pakistan’s geopolitical situation and the military’s substantial role in the private sector.

Khan also addressed his stance on the United States, clarifying that he bears no ill will towards the country despite previously blaming it for his 2022 ouster from office. He stressed that his criticisms were aimed at specific individuals rather than the military institution as a whole.

Last week, Khan proposed “conditional negotiations” with the military, contingent upon holding “clean and transparent” elections and dropping what he terms “bogus” cases against his supporters. His recent statements reflect a strategic shift as he navigates the complex political landscape leading up to the anniversary of his detention.