Imran Khan says he supports army's demand to punish those involved in May 9 violence

Imran Khan

In a bid to reconcile with the military, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his support for the army's demand to penalize those involved in the violence on May 9 last year. Khan's endorsement comes after the Pakistan Army's statement from the Corps Commanders Conference held in GHQ Rawalpindi, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on security and civil institutions.

During the conference, the military asserted that individuals implicated in the assault on military installations and other violent acts on May 9 would face legal repercussions as per the law and Constitution. Khan, speaking to journalists during the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, echoed his backing for the army's stance, affirming the necessity to punish those engaged in the violent incidents.

He stressed the importance of identifying the perpetrators through CCTV footage, drawing parallels with the apprehension of individuals involved in the Capitol Hill attack in the United States. Khan emphasized his party's support for the army, refuting claims of dissent within his ranks. He questioned the linkage between criticism of elections and criticism of the military, asserting that the narrative surrounding the May 9 events lacked credibility.

Khan expressed dismay over the absence of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 violence, suggesting a lack of interest in an impartial inquiry into the tragic events. He criticized the disregard for democracy, citing the alleged rigging in the recent elections, which he deemed the most fraudulent in Pakistan's history. Khan accused the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan of complicity in rigging and asserted that even winning candidates were aware of the electoral malpractice.

Taking aim at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, Khan accused them of reneging on their pledge to respect the vote and insinuated their deference to the military. He highlighted three major political parties, including PML-N, Pakistan Peoples Party, and Mutahidda Qaumi Movement, as the primary beneficiaries of rigging, citing this as his reason for declining to form alliances with them.

Khan's premiership ended in April 2022 through a vote of no-confidence, followed by numerous legal challenges, including over 150 cases filed against him. He has also been disqualified from holding any public office for a decade.

In summary, Khan's endorsement of the army's demand for accountability in the May 9 violence reflects his efforts to reconcile with the military establishment amidst political turmoil and allegations of electoral fraud.