No apology for terrorism, says Maryam Nawaz

Punjab CM emphasises a crime warrants punishment

LAHORE:

As PTI founding chairman Imran Khan has shown some flexibility by offering to tender a "conditional apology" for the May 9 incidents, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, whose party's government in the Centre has repeatedly sought an unconditional apology from him, has stated that there can be no apology for an act of terrorism.

Taking to a microblogging website that has been blocked for users in Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz, who is also the senior vice president of the PML-N, said that an apology is for a mistake, while a crime warrants punishment. "Attacking one's own country is terrorism, not a mistake."

Maryam made these remarks following a reported interview of Imran Khan, in which he stated that if it is proven that his party leaders or workers attacked state installations, he would expel them from the party and tender an apology.

However, he demanded the release of footages for the May 9 incidents to determine the truth.

Rumors of PTI's backdoor negotiations with powers that be, which have been denied by the forces, have apparently unsettled the PML-N-led government.

The establishment is known for its lack of transparency and has a long history of changing horses mid-stream.