ISLAMABAD: As the country’s political temperature rises, former Secretary of Defence Lt-General (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi made huge assertions, claiming that the military establishment approached Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan but received no response.
The retired general told The News that the establishment had indirectly contacted the former prime minister, but he did not specify when the two had spoken.
Lt Gen (retd) Lodhi stated that the message to the PTI founder was to admit that he orchestrated the May 9 attacks, apologize for it, and promise never to repeat such acts in the future.
The rioting on May 9 spread across the country following Imran Khan’s detention in the £190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI members and senior leaders were imprisoned for their roles in rioting and attacks on military sites.
During the protests, miscreants targeted civil and military installations such as Jinnah House in Lahore and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military declared May 9 “Black Day” and intended to prosecute the demonstrators under the Army Act.
Lodhi stated that Khan responded by saying he never planned the May 9 attacks, condemning those involved in burning and hooliganism, and promising to remove those implicated from the PTI.
General (retd) Lodhi went on to say that he was unaware of any post-election interaction between the two, but believes such initiatives may occur.
According to the retired general, the former prime minister and the PTI should recognize the reality of the Pakistan Army and refrain from confronting it.
He also stated that because the PTI has emerged as the most popular political party, the military establishment should recognise it and facilitate some reconciliation in the best interests of Pakistan.
