Imran Khan Will Not Apologize for May 9 Incidents, Says Salman Akram Raja
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Should Reconsider Their Attitude for Dialogue, Media Talk
Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Appeals Against Conviction in £190 Million Reference Set for Hearing
Islamabad (Web News)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made it clear that Imran Khan will not apologize for the events of May 9. Speaking to the media at the Islamabad High Court, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated that it is impossible for Imran Khan to apologize.
He mentioned that the matter of meeting Imran Khan has been settled through mutual consent, but with the condition that those who meet him will not discuss it publicly afterward. The PTI leader explained that they were told that if those meeting Imran Khan speak about it afterward, it could lead to law and order issues. However, members of Parliament will be free to present their viewpoints wherever they wish.
He further stated that PTI is in contact with opposition parties and discussions are progressing well. Conversations are ongoing with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and other parties. Salman Akram Raja also criticized the police for raiding PTI leaders’ houses on March 23, Pakistan Day, calling it a violation not only of the constitution but also of decency.
He emphasized that if MQM, PPP, and PML-N reconsider their behavior, then dialogue could be possible, but it is unlikely they will do so.
It is worth noting that Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, had previously stated that if Imran Khan apologizes for the May 9 incidents, his release could be possible. Responding to this, Salman Akram Raja reiterated that there is no possibility of Imran Khan apologizing. He added that anyone expecting Imran Khan to seek an apology is mistaken, as it is impossible.
He concluded by saying that discussions with opposition parties are going well, and consultations are underway with all parties, including JUI and political groups from Sindh.
The Islamabad High Court has scheduled the appeals of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, against their conviction in the £190 million reference for hearing tomorrow. Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Sarfraz Dogar, and Justice Muhammad Asif will preside over the case.
Appeals Against Conviction in £190 Million Reference Set for Hearing
The Registrar’s Office has scheduled the appeals of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi with objections. It is worth mentioning that on March 19, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi filed applications in the Islamabad High Court for the suspension of their sentences, two months after the verdict was announced.
The petition, filed through Barrister Salman Safdar, argues that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) acted with malice, misused its authority, and delivered a rushed verdict based on incomplete investigations. It further states that the investigation agency’s reluctance to obtain the full text of the agreement with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) highlights its hesitation.
The petition also points out that NCA officials were not included in the investigation, and the prosecution failed to present complete evidence. It requests the court to suspend the January 17 verdict and grant bail to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi until a final decision on the main appeal is reached.
It should be noted that on January 17, Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the Accountability Court at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail found Imran Khan guilty in the £190 million reference, sentencing him to 14 years in prison, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, was sentenced to 7 years. Following the verdict, Bushra Bibi was arrested from the courtroom.
Additionally, the judge imposed a fine of Rs. 1 million on Imran Khan and Rs. 500,000 on Bushra Bibi. The verdict further stated that in case of non-payment of the fine, Imran Khan would face an additional six months in prison, while Bushra Bibi would serve an extra three months.