The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder says he is ready to face an inquiry into the 2014 sit-in.

The PTI founder, who interacted with reporters at Adiala Jail a day after the ISPR presser, said he would be happy to appear before an inquiry committee. He said the allegations levelled against him regarding the dharna (sit-in) were wrong.

He said the 2013 election was the one of returning officers (ROs).

“How can one hold dialogue with the government after the caretaker prime minister’s statement about Form 47,” he said while calling the elections of prime minister, president, Punjab chief minister and Senate bogus.

Holding out an olive branch to the powers that be, he said half of his family had men in army and half bureaucrats. “This is our army and we have no issue with it. I came to know about the May 9 violence when I appeared in the Supreme Court,” he said.

He said he condemned the May 9 violence while being in the court of Justice Umar Ata Bandial.

The army, he said, should not be dragged in politics. “We have not resorted to arson in our 27-year history,” he said.

He said the PTI dissolved two governments. It did not want violence, he added.

Significance of media talk

The PTI founder’s media talk holds significance as it comes a day after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry’s presser.

The ISPR once again said the perpetrators and facilitators of May 9 violence would have to face punishment in line with law and Constitution. The army, he said, had the evidence of wrongdoing.

He said May 9 was not Pakistan armed forces’ case but it was a case of all Pakistanis. An attempt was made to create hatred between the people of the country and armed forces, he said, adding that it’s essential to punish the perpetrators to keep faith in the judicial system intact.

Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that May 10 would be observed as “Youm-e-Istehkam Pakistan”.

He underscored the significance of this decision in enhancing Pakistan’s reputation, especially in light of the troubling events of May 9.

Also read: PTI demands judicial commission on May 9 incidents

Expressing dismay over the delay in court proceedings, Ashrafi stressed the importance of justice prevailing and urged for accountability for those liable.

He called for a thorough investigation into the troublemakers behind the unrest and advocated for unity among political parties to ensure stability.

Ashrafi also questioned the judiciary’s approach and highlighted Pakistan’s progress in attracting investment from friendly nations. 

Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar vowed not to let the tragic events of May 9 be forgotten.

Speaking to the media, Tarar emphasied that the sedition-spreading group attacked its own country.

He stated that despite political differences, the integrity of the nation remains crucial, and those responsible for the May 9 disaster must be held accountable.

He condemned the attempt to weaken the country’s defense and stressed the need for punishment for those involved in the incident.

Tarar labeled the May 9 incident as one of the darkest chapters in history. He also highlighted the irrefutable evidence against the perpetrators.

Also read: PTI demands judicial commission on May 9 incidents

He condemned the desecration of martyrs’ memorials, reaffirming that Pakistan’s interests come first not politics. Tarar also questioned why those involved in the May 9 incidents have not faced consequences. He expressed frustration at the lack of punishment for those responsible and demanded accountability from the judiciary.

Tarar concluded by highlighting the plight of Muslims in occupied Kashmir, urging for action against those who conspired against their own country.