Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently jailed, has been accused of masterminding the May 9 violence and planning attacks on sensitive military installations. His close aide, Usman Dar, claims that Khan held meetings discussing the targeting of institutions in order to exert pressure on the military. The allegations by Dar have surfaced as Khan remains behind bars on separate charges. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, has dismissed Dar’s claims, stating that his interview holds no significance in the public eye and lacks legal status.

According to Dar, unrest broke out in Pakistan following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary Rangers on May 9. He alleges that dozens of military and state buildings, including the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the ISI building in Faisalabad, were torched and vandalised by PTI activists. Dar, who served as the head of the PTI’s Tiger Force, claims that the planning to target the sensitive installations was done in a meeting chaired by Khan.

Dar further states that Khan mentally prepared party workers to take on security agencies and exert pressure on the military. He alleges that the purpose of the May 9 violence was to remove Army Chief General Asim Munir from his position. Dar claims that the conspiracy against the military had been brewing for a long period and that Khan built a narrative against the Army after being ousted from power through a no-confidence motion.

Dar also alleges that Khan launched a long march in October 2022 to prevent General Munir’s appointment as the army chief. He further claims that Khan made two attempts against General Munir, one in November 2022 and the other on May 9, 2023, by attacking military installations to cause a mutiny against him. Dar’s accusations come as a joint investigation team formed to probe the May 9 violence informed an anti-terrorism court that Khan and several top leaders of the PTI were directly involved in orchestrating the unprecedented anti-government violence.

Khan, who turned 71 on Thursday, is currently jailed in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on charges of violating the Official Secrets Act. His judicial remand has been extended until October 10. Usman Dar, following his interview, announced his decision to quit the PTI party and politics.

In response to Dar’s allegations, the PTI party has dismissed his claims as insignificant and lacking legal status. They stated that Dar’s interview holds no significance in the public eye and exposes the kidnappers themselves. The party also mentioned that Khan remains a strong leader, and Dar’s statement does not hold any weight.

The May 9 violence led to the sacking of three top army officers and disciplinary action against 15 other officers. Dar is one of around 200 leaders and former lawmakers of the PTI who have distanced themselves from Khan and the party following the violence.