Islamabad: In a powerful message delivered from behind bars, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched a direct and damning attack on Pakistan’s military establishment, accusing it of undermining democracy and dominating the country’s political landscape. Speaking through his sister Aleema Khan outside Adiala Jail, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said he is prepared to remain imprisoned for life but will not bow to what he described as “extortionists and dictators.”
Aleema Khan emphasized that her brother has no intention of making concessions to either the military or any foreign powers. “He will never make a compromise with the army or any foreign entity,” she stated, dismissing such reports as deliberate misinformation aimed at demoralizing the PTI movement.
Imran Khan, through Aleema, condemned what he sees as a growing erosion of the rule of law in Pakistan, claiming the country is now operating under a “jungle law” where the powerful evade accountability. He accused the military of manipulating the judicial system through tools like the 26th Constitutional Amendment and alleged that judges are being pressured into delaying PTI-related cases. “The judges are under threat. PTI is standing with the judiciary to show that we are not backing down in the fight for justice,” said Aleema.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan reportedly remains determined to initiate a new national movement aimed at restoring democratic norms and calling for fresh elections. While he has expressed reluctance to mobilize supporters in the capital to avoid another violent crackdown, he is preparing to launch a nationwide campaign. “He does not want people to be harmed again. We remember the bloodshed from earlier protests,” Aleema added, recalling past confrontations where PTI workers faced violence.
Also Read | New Front in Old Rivalry: India and Pakistan Turn to Drones
Renewed Scrutiny of Military’s Role Amid Ceasefire Breach
Khan’s scathing remarks come at a time when Pakistan’s military has once again become a focal point of controversy. Following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed 26 civilians, India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The incident has intensified international scrutiny on Pakistan’s internal power dynamics.
The growing rift between the civilian government and the military has also become evident in the handling of ceasefire agreements with India. Reports suggest that while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif favored maintaining peace, the military allegedly proceeded with ceasefire violations. This has sparked concerns over either a significant communication failure or an intentional bypassing of civilian authority by the armed forces.
Also Read | Pakistan Open to Dialogue with India on Kashmir, Trade, and Water-Sharing: PM Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan’s political system has long been marred by instability, with repeated interventions by the military since the country’s formation in 1947. No elected prime minister in Pakistan’s history has ever completed a full five-year term. From controlling foreign policy and defense to influencing the judiciary and media, the military has often acted as the country’s de facto power center. Accusations of election rigging, political manipulation, and judicial interference have repeatedly been leveled against the institution.
Imran Khan’s latest statement, coupled with recent military actions, underscores the enduring influence of the armed forces in Pakistan’s political landscape. As tensions rise and voices of dissent grow louder, the future of the country’s fragile democracy remains uncertain.
