“Mistakes can be excused, but not crimes”, says Maryam on Imran’s conditional apology over May 9 riots

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif responded to Imran Khan's offer of a conditional apology by stating that the May 9 riots constitute “terrorism” and cannot be dismissed as a mere mistake.

Taking to microblogging platform X, CM Maryam stated, "Mistakes can be excused, but not crimes. Attacking your own country amounts to terrorism and cannot be considered a mistake."

x.com

معافی غلطی کی ہوتی ہے، جُرم کی سزا ہوتی ہے۔ اپنے ہی ملک پر حملہ کرنے کو دہشت گردی کہتے ہیں، غلطی نہیں۔

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 7, 2024

Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, spoke to journalists on Wednesday and announced his intention to offer a conditional apology for the May 9, 2023, events, provided that the CCTV footage of that day is made public. 

"If even a single member of my party is found to be involved in arson, I will apologise," he stated.

He also expressed a willingness to negotiate with the establishment for the sake of the country but indicated that “he would refrain from talks if the other party was uninterested.”

Former prime minister said if he had feared being guilty of May 9 events, he would not have demanded a judicial commission.

He criticised the DG ISPR, who alleged that anti-Pakistan campaigns are being funded by corrupt elements. 

Khan maintained that the “military exposed corruption scandals of Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari but now imposed the rule of the same individuals through election rigging.”

He mentioned that during the May 9 riots, 16 of his supporters were killed, three had their legs amputated, and one was left paralyzed. 

When asked by a reporter why the details were not released by PTI, Khan responded, "We provided financial assistance to these workers, but the police pressured them not to speak out."

He also drew a comparison between the political situations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, asserting that inflation and unemployment in Pakistan are worse than in Bangladesh. 

Imran Khan said that the situation in Pakistan is deteriorating, and he anticipates major developments in near future.