LAHORE: PML-N leaders, rejecting former prime minister Imran Khan’s offer to tender a conditional apology, leading to any reconciliation with the military establishment, over May 9 events, insisted the PTI founder should be punished for “orchestrating” the violent episode.
They say the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder leader Imran Khan should not be pardoned even if he seeks an apology for the May 9 riots. Mr Khan had on Wednesday offered to tender an apology, provided the involvement of PTI supporters in the violence was proved.
Reacting to Khan’s offer, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Thursday that the “mastermind” of the May 9 incidents was asking for forgiveness.
“The person who once claimed that he would not grant anyone an NRO is now pleading for mercy. Even if Imran Khan tries to clear his name, the dark stains on his reputation cannot be erased,” she said.
She said the video evidence of the attacks on military installations and sensitive agencies’ offices was available. “The courts do not even accept unconditional apologies, how come the people of Pakistan accept conditional apologies for burning the statues of martyrs,” Ms Bokhari said.
PML-N leader Javed Latif said if Imran Khan was not punished because of international pressure, the nation would not forgive this.
He said Khan still has his “sympathisers in the institutions”, alleging that the “network of former CJP Saqib Nisar and ex-ISI chief Faiz Hamid” was still in place.
PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry also pleaded for handing down punishment to Mr Khan.
Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2024
Read More: ‘Conditional apology’: PML-N leaders reject Imran’s offer – Pakistan