Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has refuted claims that he sought an unconditional apology, asserting that a wrong perception has been created regarding his stance. While awaiting dialogue with those in power,
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder predicted that the current government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), has only two months left in power.
During an informal conversation with journalists at the makeshift courtroom inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail on Thursday, Khan stated, “The government is plunging into a quagmire; however, they [rulers] are fools and unable to understand.” He added that, from prison, he predicts that this government is running out of time, whereas he has ample time.
Addressing his earlier comments on offering a conditional apology regarding the May 9 riots, Khan clarified that he never sought an unconditional apology. He reiterated that he would apologize only if PTI activists were found guilty of participating in the violent protests that erupted last year following his arrest from the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case. Khan emphasized, “Am I insane to ask our people to attack the army?” and maintained that PTI workers were wrongfully labeled as “terrorists” for staging peaceful protests.
Khan further expressed that his party is seeking justice for the events of May 9. He explained that his offer to initiate dialogue was made solely for the sake of the country, and he categorically stated that he would not seek any deal, no matter how many cases are filed against him. He added that deals are sought by those who have committed wrongdoing, but he has yet to receive any offers for negotiations.
The former premier also claimed that certain elements within the government were provoking the army against PTI to eliminate the party. Khan disclosed that he would present a witness in the Al-Qadir Trust case, also known as the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) scandal, but did not reveal the witness’s identity out of fear for their safety. He also stated that his party would not accept any election held under the current government’s supervision.
Khan accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja of organizing “fraud elections” in the past and filling ballot boxes during by-elections. He rejected any interim setup under the current government and any electoral event overseen by the incumbent CEC.
Meanwhile, the Accountability Court, presided over by Judge Nasir Javed Rana, adjourned the hearing of the £190 million reference against Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi until August 12, due to the absence of lawyers. The cross-examination of the investigating officer, Mian Umar Nadeem, could not be completed. The accused were presented before the Islamabad court from Adiala jail, with NAB Prosecutor General Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi and a legal team in attendance.
