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LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders have firmly dismissed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s offer of a conditional apology for the May 9 events, insisting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder should face punishment for allegedly orchestrating the violent episode.
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On Wednesday, Khan proposed to apologize if the involvement of PTI supporters in the violence was proven. However, PML-N officials maintain that Khan should not be pardoned, even if he seeks forgiveness for the riots.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari responded to Khan’s offer on Thursday, stating, “The mastermind of the May 9 incidents is now asking for forgiveness. Even if Imran Khan tries to clear his name, the dark stains on his reputation cannot be erased.”
Bokhari alleged that Khan incited people and manipulated their minds, leading to the burning of statues of national heroes. She claimed that on the day of Khan’s arrest, his key associates urged people to take to the streets, and Khan himself admitted the public’s reaction to his arrest the following day.
The minister further accused PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Mehmoodur Rashid of leading party activists in an attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. She also alleged that Khan’s nephew, Hassaan Niazi, burnt the corps commander’s uniform, and that Khan’s sisters were present during the attack.
“The courts do not even accept unconditional apologies, how can the people of Pakistan accept conditional apologies for burning the statues of martyrs,” Bokhari questioned.
PML-N leader Javed Latif warned that if Khan is not punished due to international pressure, the nation would not forgive this leniency. Latif claimed that Khan still has “sympathizers in the institutions,” alleging that the “network of former CJP Saqib Nisar and ex-ISI chief Faiz Hamid” remains active.
Senator Talal Chaudhry of PML-N also called for Khan to face punishment for his alleged role in the riots.
The rejection of Khan’s conditional apology by PML-N leaders highlights the ongoing political tension in Pakistan and the controversy surrounding the May 9 events.
