Lahore: Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, remarking that Munir should have adopted the title of “king” rather than being elevated to the ceremonial rank of Field Marshal. Khan argued that the country is no longer governed by the rule of law, but rather by the law of the jungle.
General Asim Munir was promoted to the honorary rank of Field Marshal on Tuesday, becoming only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to receive the title, reportedly due to his strategic role in the recent confrontation with India.
Reacting to the promotion, Khan posted on X:
“MashaAllah, General Asim Munir has been made Field Marshal. Though frankly, it might have been more fitting to give him the title of ‘King’ instead — because right now, the country is ruled by the law of the jungle. And in the jungle, there is only one king.”
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on multiple legal charges, also denied persistent speculation that a political settlement was in the works.
“No deal has taken place, nor is any dialogue underway. These are baseless lies,” he stated.
However, Khan left the door open for possible engagement with the military establishment, extending an invitation for talks in the national interest.
“The country is facing external threats, a surge in terrorism, and an economic crisis. We must unite. I have never asked for anything for myself before, nor will I now.”
He also issued a warning to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, urging vigilance amid concerns of potential aggression from India.
Criticizing the current state of governance, Khan said that Pakistan has effectively become a place where justice is selectively applied.
“The ongoing situation reflects that the very spirit of democracy is being crushed. When you send the message that the bigger the thief, the higher the office they’ll hold — you bury justice. The NAB still holds a case against (President) Asif Zardari’s sister involving five apartments registered under employees’ names. She is abroad, and no one dares question her. Shahbaz Sharif was accused in PKR 22-billion money laundering case, yet he was made Prime Minister.”
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Khan went on to describe the dismantling of Pakistan’s legal and moral fabric over the past three years, calling his own prosecution part of a larger campaign of political victimization.
“A farcical trial has been resumed in the Toshakhana-II case. Just like in prison, court proceedings are dictated by the will of a single colonel. My sisters and lawyers are being barred from court; my companions are not allowed to meet me; I am denied contact with my children for months; even my books are not delivered, and I am denied access to my physician. This is a continued violation of court orders and laws.”
Touching on the issue of drone strikes in the tribal areas, Khan said he had received reports of recent drone attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and urged the provincial government to take swift action.
“The killing of innocent civilians in drone attacks does not reduce terrorism as it only fuels it further. After years of struggle, we had succeeded in halting American drone operations in Pakistan. If you claim to be against terrorism, then do not drop bombs on the homes of your own people.”
