In a surprising turn of events on 9th May 2023, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court. This arrest sparked widespread protests across the country, leading to riots and violence. Imran Khan openly accused the Pakistani army, which marked a historical moment as average Pakistani citizens protested against the military for the first time. This blog will delve into the reasons behind Imran Khan’s arrest, the corruption case against him, the political game between Imran Khan and the military, and the implications of the ongoing crisis in Pakistan.
Imran Khan’s Legal Battles:
Since losing a no-confidence vote in April 2022, Imran Khan has been embroiled in a series of legal cases involving corruption, murder, and terrorism. He and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), face about 140 accusations, with 34 cases directly against Imran Khan. These cases came to light through documents accessed by the American news publication Foreign Policy. The arrest on 9th May specifically targeted corruption charges related to the Al-Qadir University Trust, a non-governmental organization established by Imran Khan and his third wife, Bushra Bibi.
The Corruption Case:
The corruption case against Imran Khan revolves around the Al-Qadir University Trust and its dealings with property tycoon Malik Riaz. Imran Khan’s government allegedly made a deal with Riaz, resulting in a loss of $239 million for the Pakistani government. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) led the investigation and claimed that Imran Khan was not cooperating despite multiple notices. However, legal experts argue that NAB should have completed its inquiry and shared the report with the accused before making the arrest.
Imran Khan’s Political Crisis and Accusations against the Military:
Imran Khan’s arrest further exacerbated the already strained relationship between him and the Pakistani army. In November 2022, an assassination attempt on Imran Khan intensified his accusations against the military. He directly accused the Pakistani army, specifically Major General Faisal Naseer of ISI, of conspiring with Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to harm him. Imran Khan’s allegations against the military have led to a standoff between him and the military establishment.
Historical Context:
Military Influence in Pakistan: The Pakistani military has a long history of influencing politics and business in the country. Despite the adoption of democracy, the military has maintained indirect control over the government. Imran Khan’s rise to power in 2018 was seen by many as a result of the military’s support. However, his relationship with the military deteriorated after losing the no-confidence vote. The military’s influence over the government and its resistance to any leader overshadowing their power has led to a tumultuous political landscape in Pakistan.
The Future of Pakistan:
The ongoing political crisis in Pakistan raises questions about the country’s future. Historically, military coups have been a recurring theme in Pakistan whenever the military feels threatened by democracy. The protests against Imran Khan’s arrest indicate a shift in public sentiment towards the military, but the outcome remains uncertain. If elections are held, many experts believe Imran Khan would win, given his popularity. However, a fraudulent election or a military coup could spell doom for Pakistan’s stability.
Conclusion:
Imran Khan’s arrest and the subsequent protests have plunged Pakistan into a political crisis. The corruption case against him, his accusations against the military, and the historical context of military influence in Pakistan have intensified the situation. The future of Pakistan hangs in the balance, with potential outcomes ranging from democratic stability to military dictatorship. The coming months will be critical.
