RAWALPINDI: Despite denials from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding reports of a "confession" by their jailed party founder about the May 9 violent protests, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reaffirmed his earlier statement. Khan reiterated that he had directed his party workers to stage a peaceful protest outside the military's General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi if he were arrested.
Khan's recent comments came after he had admitted to calling for a protest outside the GHQ before his arrest on May 9, 2023. PTI leadership had refuted media reports of Khan's admission, with senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser asserting, "We [categorically] deny this.
However, speaking to reporters at Adiala jail on Monday, Khan once again endorsed his previous statement. "I had told the party to stage a peaceful protest outside GHQ if I get arrested," he said, adding that he had confirmed the same in "three vlogs."
Khan clarified that he had issued directives for peaceful protests in the cantonment areas of the garrison city and mentioned these instructions multiple times during investigations. When questioned about the violent protests on May 9, which saw attacks on state properties, including military installations, Khan attributed the violence to "pre-planned" riots. He emphasized the importance of criticism, regardless of the institution.
Addressing his controversial 2022 remark, "only animals are neutral," Khan explained that "neutral" referred to being "apolitical" and meant the army was non-partisan. He clarified this while referring to his statement made at a rally in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during his tenure as prime minister.
Imran Khan faces numerous legal challenges related to the May 9 riots, which erupted following his arrest in a graft case and resulted in the vandalism of several military and state installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander's residence. The current and former governments have repeatedly accused Khan and PTI's senior leadership of orchestrating "organized" attacks on military sites.
Despite securing relief in various cases, Khan remains incarcerated due to his involvement in the May 9 incidents and a new Toshakhana reference following his acquittal in the iddat case.
