- Vows to expel and prosecute any supporter implicated by CCTV evidence
- Seeks an apology for being manhandled by Rangers personnel at the time of arrest on May 9
- £190m case may conclude next week after prosecution withdraws 14 witnesses
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday expressed his willingness to apologize for the May 9 riots, provided it is proven that PTI supporters were involved in the violent protests.
During a media talk at Adiala Jail, following proceedings of the £190 million corruption reference against him and Bushra Bibi, Khan stated that if CCTV footage identifies PTI workers trespassing and attacking government installations, he would not only apologize but also expel those individuals from the party and ensure their prosecution.
However, Khan also highlighted that he was manhandled on May 9, as Rangers dragged him from the Islamabad High Court premises, despite his status as “the most popular leader in Pakistan” with a good international reputation. He reiterated that those responsible for his arrest owe him an apology.
Citing the ISPR chief’s recent statement that the military’s stance on the May 9 incident remains unchanged, Khan stated that the PTI would not forget that day. He emphasized that the PTI is also an aggrieved party, as its workers and leaders were tortured and barred from participating in elections.
Khan recalled his demand for a judicial commission to probe the May 9 violence, asserting that there was no evidence linking the PTI to the violence. Responding to a question about petrol bombs used outside Zaman Park, Khan stated that anyone identified throwing them at government buildings must be held accountable.
Regarding allegations of a paid campaign against Pakistan, Khan noted that the establishment had previously narrated the corruption stories of Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari, yet imposed them on the country through rigged elections. He affirmed that the army is a national institution deserving of defense.
Khan contrasted Pakistan’s situation with Bangladesh, where former PM Sheikh Hasina appointed an army chief who refused to fire on his own people. He claimed that Pakistan faces more severe issues, including higher unemployment and inflation, than Bangladesh.
He stated that the PTI does not seek chaos and is open to dialogue with the establishment for the betterment of the people. However, if the establishment is not interested in dialogue, he would not insist. Khan expressed concerns that current ruling party leaders might flee the country, calling for their names, and possibly his own, to be placed on the exit control list.
Witnesses Withdrawn
The trial in the £190 million case is likely to conclude next week as NAB withdrew 14 witnesses on Wednesday. Out of 59 prosecution witnesses, 35 have been cross-examined by the defense, and 10 were previously given up by NAB. The sudden withdrawal of the remaining witnesses could expedite the trial’s conclusion.
PTI’s legal team also filed an application seeking the acquittal of Bushra Bibi. The NAB reference alleges that the cabinet led by then-PM Imran Khan approved a deed in 2019 to return £190 million seized by the UK’s National Crime Agency to property tycoon Malik Riaz. The case claims that Khan and his wife received significant monetary and land benefits from Bahria Town in return for “legalizing” the money.
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