Imran Khan vs Pakistan Army | Who will Win?

 

Imran Khan vs. Pakistani Army: Who Will Triumph?

"This was planned." "Imran Khan is being put in jail." "The situation is worsening."

The Arrest and the Aftermath

On May 9, 2023, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested from Islamabad High Court, sparking nationwide protests. The protests escalated into riots, with widespread violence and over 2,000 arrests. Imran Khan openly accused the Pakistani army, leading to unprecedented public demonstrations against the military. This level of instability in Pakistan is being compared to the crisis of 1971.

Imran Khan's Legal Troubles

Imran Khan has faced numerous legal challenges since his government fell in April 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He and members of his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been accused of about 140 crimes, including corruption, murder, and terrorism. Specifically, on May 9, Imran Khan was arrested on corruption charges related to the Al-Qadir University Trust, a welfare organization he and his third wife, Bushra Bibi, established in 2018.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan claims that Khan's government made a deal with property tycoon Malik Riaz, causing a loss of $239 million to the government. Despite Khan's repeated absences from NAB hearings, the former prosecutor of NAB, Imran Shafique, argues that the case against Khan is weak.

Other Legal Issues

Imran Khan also faces charges in the Toshakhana case, where he was accused of misreporting and selling expensive gifts from the state treasury. Although initially barred from holding political office for five years, he found temporary respite when a court allowed him to contest elections. However, his arrest in the Al-Qadir case also led to his detention in the Toshakhana case.

Public and International Reactions

Imran Khan's arrest triggered massive protests, with videos showing citizens, including a lone girl, challenging military headquarters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned against violent protests, but Imran Khan's supporters persisted, leading to clashes with the police.

International reactions were mixed. UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deemed it an internal matter, while opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the arrest. The U.S. and Canada issued travel advisories, and Amnesty International criticized Pakistan for blocking internet access, which affected many citizens.

Pakistan's Ongoing Crises

Pakistan is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, with inflation at a record 30%. The country is also facing numerous terrorist attacks, adding to the instability.

Imran Khan vs. The Military Establishment

In November 2022, Imran Khan survived an assassination attempt, which he blamed on the Pakistani military. He accused ISI's Major General Faisal Naseer, along with Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, of plotting to kill him. This strained his relations with the military, which is said to have initially supported him when he became Prime Minister in 2018.

Historically, the Pakistani military has had significant control over the country's politics and business. Imran Khan's fall from favor with the military is reminiscent of other political leaders who challenged the military's authority, such as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, both of whom faced severe repercussions.

The Road Ahead

Imran Khan’s troubles with the military began in 2019 when General Asim Munir, then the ISI Chief, started investigating corruption allegations against him. This culminated in Munir becoming the Chief of Army Staff in November 2022, leading to increased pressure on Khan. Despite his current predicaments, Imran Khan's popularity remains unmatched, partly due to his cricketing fame and his successful World Cup campaign for Pakistan.

If a military coup occurs, public backlash is expected to be severe. Conversely, if elections proceed, many believe Khan’s party will win. However, his future actions and the response of the military will be crucial in determining Pakistan's stability.

Current Status

Imran Khan was released on bail on May 12, following the Supreme Court's ruling that his arrest was illegal. This has temporarily quelled the protests, turning them into celebrations. The situation remains fluid, and the next steps in this political drama will be critical for Pakistan’s future.

For a deeper understanding of Pakistan's history and military influence, you might find our video on the 1971 war insightful, detailing the creation of Bangladesh and the rise of military power in Pakistan. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.