Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legal counsel for beleaguered party founder Imran Khan, Salman Akram Raja, on Tuesday stated that Khan has not admitted to any wrongdoing regarding the events of May 9.
Raja noted that following the Rangers' action in Zaman Park, it was unanimously decided that protests would occur at designated locations, whether GHQ or any other office.
After meeting with the PTI founder at Adiala Jail today, the lawyer spoke to the media, saying, "We are ready to discuss Pakistan's welfare. We want to move forward, ensuring that there is no chaos in the country and that the economy progresses, lifting people out of poverty and inflation."
He added, "The current environment being created will lead to disaster."
PTI's legal counsel highlighted the importance of public involvement, saying, "You cannot achieve the welfare of the state by distancing it from the people. It is essential to move forward with the people and their elected leadership."
He relayed the PTI founder's message, stating, "The news about an admission is completely false. The PTI founder has not admitted to anything regarding May 9."
He maintained that Imran's stance remains that the attacks on March 14 at Zaman Park and on March 18 at the judicial complex involved Rangers, police, and ISI personnel.
Last night, Senator Faisal Vawda accused PTI supremo Imran Khan of being responsible for Pakistan's current political instability, citing evidence provided by former director general Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, linking Khan to the May 9 vandalism incident.
"I cannot champion law and democracy when multiple cases are pending against me in courts. Some time ago, I revealed that Imran Khan's close associate, Faiz Hameed, provided evidence of Khan's involvement in the May 9 vandalism," stated Vawda during an interview with a private TV channel.
During media talk today, Salman Akram Raja explained that following these incidents, the party decided that if there was further interference by the Rangers or ISI in police matters, peaceful protests would occur at appropriate locations, including GHQ or other offices, without causing damage.
"This was a unanimous decision," he said.
The PTI leader condemned the events of May 9, demanding punishment for those responsible and calling for a judicial inquiry.
He urged, "Stop relying on lies. A government based on deceit cannot take Pakistan forward." Raja conveyed the PTI founder's message that "all forces should understand this."
Raja reaffirmed PTI's stance, stating, "We will not back down from our position. Attempts to abduct and assault people will be futile. This party is not going anywhere; it resides in the hearts of the people. It cannot be eradicated."
He described the PTI founder's imprisonment conditions, mentioning that he is confined in a small cell without an attached bathroom, and called for "all forces to act sensibly and engage constructively."
Raja concluded by saying, "We want to steer the country towards improvement".
He explained that the accusation that PTI is unwilling to talk is unfounded.
"Protesting is everyone's right, and GHQ is not outside Pakistan. There was no directive or plan for vandalism. Find and punish those responsible, but do not blame the entire party. It's time to heal the wounds; the country cannot be run through brutality".
Raja said that PTI's stance on the chief justice is clear, and a petition will be presented. "Family members of the chief justice repeatedly attacking the PTI founder is inappropriate," he added.
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