Former interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed condemned the May 9 incidents and revealed that he had always advised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan to maintain good relations with the army.

His exclusive interview on Meray Sawal with Muneeb Farooq was aired on Friday.

On a question regarding his disappearance from the political scene after May 9, the former minister said that he had gone to perform a 'Chilla' [a 40-day spiritual retreat] for 40 days.

Sheikh Rasheed said that he was part of the of National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on cipher and that three people were negotiating with the army on behalf of the PTI chairman.

He said that all three of them have now formed their own parties.

He added that Imran Khan told them twice to forbid negotiation with the army.

The former minister also said that he was out of the country at the time of the events of May 9 and 10 and that he already condemned the events that transpired on both days.

However, he went on to add that non-political people played an important role in the May 9 incidents.

He also said that a politician should never call out a soldier. The former minister said that he feels proud of calling himself a 'spokesperson' of the armed forces.

AML chief said that the country cannot run without institutions, and that politicians and institutions should work together.