ISLAMABAD: Ex-PM Imran Khan Accuses Military of Politicization
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to lash out at the Military’s Involvement in Political Matters even when he had, through two formal letters, tried to reach out to the incumbent Army Chief in the past. Imran Khan has been detained since August 2023, and he accused the military of undue interference in governance.
Speaking to lawyers and media persons at Adiala Jail, Khan attacked the military leadership Army Chief and the DG ISPR-accusing them of destroying Pakistan’s political institutions.
Letters from Khan to the Army Chief: The Step Towards National Stability
Although an excellent orator, Imran Khan admitted that he wrote the letters to the Army Chief with ‘good intentions’ to persuade the military to cooperate in improving the nation. He even spoke of his want to solve very critical governance problems but argued against the military assuming political matters unprecedentedly.
Caretaker Government and Political Blockades
Former PM Imran Khan also criticized the interim government for not allowing him to hold his rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. He said, “The caretaker regime is scared to stand before the real needs of the people.” He also said that such a military who is getting much involved in the political work bothers the people so much and the people have shifted from the armed forces to this extent.
Deterrence of Democratic Concerns
Khan made his statement as the military became involved in the country’s political affairs. Many people in the current government face criticism for gagging dissent and violating democratic values. The latest statement by the ex-PM is likely to further heighten political tension in the country.
Important Issues Raised in Khan’s Letters
He had also previously brought to the Chief of the Army’s attention certain highly critical matters:
Electoral Anomalies:
He seriously had questions about the fact that the elections were going to happen now.
Judicial Emergency: The 26th Constitutional Amendment
-Terrorism cases against party workers: His biggest worry is that his party workers are getting framed in cases of terrorism.
Gratitude for Military’s Anti-Terror Operations:
Khan thanked military forces for every sacrifice and hardship put in due to anti-terrorism operations.
Press Freedom and Economic Crisis
The former Prime Minister believed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to be an encroachment upon free speech. He further highlighted Pakistan’s ailing economy and requested the judicial commission to act to bring about a policy change to deal with the problems Pakistan is presently facing.
Escalating Political Polarization in Pakistan
Given the rhetoric from Khan, the given political milieu and the increasing tensions between military and political leadership would increasingly have their say. Democracy is already strained, and the all-time low public trust has engulfed Pakistan’s future political dynamics.
