[Khan faced a critical decision: to fight for a revolution outside the existing corrupt electoral system or participate within it, aiming to reform from within. Against the advice of some political experts who argued against engaging in a flawed system, Khan chose the latter path…..] By Syed Atiq ul Hassan

After making his mark as a legendary cricketer and leading Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1992, Imran Khan transitioned to philanthropy, initiating welfare projects in health and education. His most notable achievement was the establishment of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), named after his late mother. This state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated in December 1994, became a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Pakistan. Khan’s ability to raise millions of dollars for the hospital underscored his determination and the trust he commanded globally. The hospital’s success has since led to the opening of additional branches, including a state-of-the-art facility in Karachi.
In 2008, Khan founded Namal College, a technical institution in Mianwali District, followed by laying the foundation of Al-Qadir University in Sohawa, KPK, in 2019. The university aims to integrate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with modern education. These initiatives cemented Khan’s reputation as a committed social reformer.
Entry into Politics: A Contradictory Decision
Despite his initial reluctance, often describing Pakistani politics as a “dirty game,” Khan founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1996. His mission was to eradicate corruption and dismantle the military-dominated democratic system that plagued Pakistan’s governance. Drawing inspiration from the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the principles of Riasat-e-Madina (Welfare State of Madina at the time of Prophet Muhammad PBUH), Khan sought to bring justice and fairness to the political landscape.
However, convincing the public to embrace his agenda proved challenging. For two decades, Khan worked tirelessly to build PTI, gradually establishing it as a formidable political force. His perseverance eventually paid off, with PTI becoming the largest political party in Pakistan.
The 2018 Elections: A Turning Point
Khan faced a critical decision: to fight for a revolution outside the existing corrupt electoral system or participate within it, aiming to reform from within. Against the advice of some political experts who argued against engaging in a flawed system, Khan chose the latter path.
The 2018 elections marked a significant milestone for PTI. Backed by the military establishment—disillusioned with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)—PTI secured victory and formed the government. However, the military strategically ensured PTI did not achieve a two-thirds majority, maintaining their control over the political framework.
While Khan’s government aimed to implement reforms and address systemic corruption, his increasing popularity and push for change alarmed the military establishment. This led to tensions culminating in Khan’s ouster, over 200 charges against him, and mass arrests of PTI leaders and supporters.
Mistakes and Lessons Learned
Khan’s decision to engage with the existing electoral system proved to be a miscalculation. The entrenched military establishment, supported by Western powers, has historically manipulated Pakistan’s political landscape. By participating in a system, he once condemned, Khan underestimated the establishment’s resilience and influence.
The establishment’s strategy involves creating and supporting political figures who align with their agenda, ensuring their control remains unchallenged. This dynamic rendered Khan’s vision of systemic reform nearly impossible within the current framework.
The Present Dilemma
Today, Imran Khan finds himself imprisoned on dubious charges, while many PTI leaders have either distanced themselves from the party or aligned with the establishment. The party’s focus has shifted from broader systemic reform to securing Khan’s release and addressing internal fractures.
The establishment’s infiltration of PTI has further weakened its cohesion. Some leaders continue to enjoy parliamentary benefits despite the unlawful nature of the current government, undermining the party’s credibility. This delay in Khan’s release benefits not only the establishment but also those within PTI who prioritize personal gain over the party’s original mission.
The other dilemma for Imran Khan, which he is believed to have underestimated, is the immense power of the establishment and its support from Western allies. With a rigged government in place, the establishment has altered primary components of the judicial system, appointing judges of their choosing and exercising complete control over national media. The media is prohibited from even mentioning Imran Khan’s name. It is not an exaggeration to state that the military establishment in Pakistan wields unparalleled power, immune to reform unless a massive revolution occurs. However, such a revolution requires the masses to be ready to sacrifice their lives for change, alongside foreign support—both of which appear unattainable at present.
The Path Forward
Khan’s incarceration and the challenges faced by PTI highlight the difficulties of achieving meaningful change in a deeply entrenched system. The longer Khan remains in jail, the more the momentum of his movement risks dissipating. Sustaining public support requires active engagement and visible leadership, both of which are hindered by his confinement.
For Pakistan to experience genuine reform, Khan and his supporters must rethink their approach. Relying on the same electoral processes that perpetuate corruption will only lead to cyclical failures. Instead, a grassroots movement focused on public awareness and systemic overhaul, independent of establishment influence, may offer a more viable path to change.
Conclusive Statements
Imran Khan’s journey from cricketing legend to philanthropist and political leader reflects his unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s progress. However, his experience also underscores the challenges of navigating a system designed to resist change. While his vision of a just and prosperous Pakistan resonates with millions, achieving it requires confronting not only political adversaries but also the deeply rooted structures that sustain corruption and military dominance.
Khan’s legacy as a reformer is undeniable, but his struggle serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in transforming a nation. The battle for Pakistan’s future demands not just perseverance but also strategic recalibration and unity among those committed to genuine change. (The writer, Syed Atiq ul Hassa, is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and author. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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