Imran Khan Stands by Peaceful Protest Call Before Arrest Despite PTI Denials
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that he directed his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to hold a peaceful protest outside the military’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi before his arrest on May 9, 2023. This statement comes despite PTI leaders denying his earlier confession about the May 9 protests.
Recently, Khan acknowledged that he had asked PTI workers to protest outside the GHQ before his arrest. Former National Assembly speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser denied this, but Khan stood by his statement, confirming it in multiple vlogs.
Speaking to reporters, Khan said, “I had told the party to stage a peaceful protest outside GHQ if I get arrested.” He added that he had given instructions to hold protests in the cantonment areas of the garrison city and mentioned these things multiple times during the probe.
When asked about the May 9 protests that saw attacks on state properties, including military installations, Khan said the riots were “pre-planned” and not peaceful. He emphasized that criticism should be done regardless of the institution.
Khan also clarified his 2022 remark, “only animals are neutral,” explaining that he meant the army is non-partisan and apolitical.
Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been facing several cases over his alleged involvement in the May 9 riots. Violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after his arrest, with PTI workers attacking army installations, including the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore. The government has blamed Khan and PTI’s senior leadership for orchestrating these attacks.
Imran Khan has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana case.
Doubts Revealed
Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a famous politician in Pakistan. He was the Prime Minister of Pakistan and also a former cricket player.
PTI -: PTI stands for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. It is a political party in Pakistan founded by Imran Khan.
General Headquarters -: General Headquarters is the main office of the Pakistan Army. It is where the top military leaders work.
vlogs -: Vlogs are video blogs. They are like diaries but in video form, where people talk about their thoughts and experiences.
non-partisan -: Non-partisan means not supporting any political party. It means being neutral and fair.
May 9 riots -: The May 9 riots were violent protests that happened in Pakistan on May 9, 2023. People were angry and caused damage to property.
charges -: Charges are official accusations made by the police or government that someone has done something illegal.
arrest -: Arrest means when the police take someone into custody because they believe that person has broken the law.
jail -: Jail is a place where people are kept when they are accused or found guilty of breaking the law.
