The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has denied media reports that Imran Khan called for a protest outside the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi before his May 9 arrest.
In a talk show on a private news channel, former National Assembly speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said, “Imran Khan did not say what is being reported in the media. We completely deny this.”
These denials came after Khan, while speaking to journalists during a court hearing inside Adiala jail, reportedly admitted to calling for a peaceful protest outside the GHQ in response to law enforcement actions at his Zaman Park residence.
Imran Khan is facing several cases related to the May 9 riots, which followed his arrest in a corruption case. These riots saw damage to various military and state properties, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence. The government has repeatedly blamed Khan and PTI leaders for organizing these attacks.
Despite getting some relief in other cases, Khan still faces 12 cases related to the May 9 incidents, all of which are being heard by an Anti-Terrorism Court. These cases are spread across several police stations: Sarwar Road, Gulberg, Race Course, Shadman, Mughalpura, and Model Town.
Asad Qaiser also emphasized that lawyers present during Khan’s interaction with journalists at Adiala jail have denied the statements attributed to him. “Intezar Panjutha, who was with Khan, said the comments reported are not true,” Qaiser added.