While external forces have mounted significant opposition to Khan’s mission, internal betrayals have been equally damaging. Many of Khan’s own party leaders have proven to be opportunistic, using delaying tactics to undermine his campaign and weaken his followers’ resolve. These leaders, instead of mobilizing public support for Khan’s release from unjust imprisonment, have focused on safeguarding their own interests…… By Syed Atiq ul Hassan.
Imran Khan’s unwavering mission to dismantle Pakistan’s entrenched corruption—spanning bureaucracy, the military establishment, judiciary, and parliamentary system—is one of the most audacious leadership endeavours in the country’s history. Khan envisioned a nation free from the shackles of systemic decay, where institutions operated transparently, and the economy flourished for the benefit of all citizens. However, his journey has not only been impeded by the ruling elites but also by the fear and complacency of the very people he sought to empower.
A Visionary Leader with an Unconventional Path
When Khan transitioned into politics, he carried no political legacy or familial influence. A celebrated cricket legend, he had spent much of his life in the West, embodying a modern lifestyle and a stellar educational background. Despite his cosmopolitan identity, Khan developed a profound understanding of Islam, embracing his faith in a way that blended tradition with modernity.
His transformation from a sports icon to a philanthropist set the stage for his political journey. The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, established in honour of his mother, stands as a testament to his determination to provide quality healthcare to the underprivileged. This monumental achievement was followed by the establishment of two universities aimed at empowering marginalized students with education.
The Reluctant Politician
Initially dismissive of politics as a “dirty game,” Khan eventually founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), driven by a deep conviction to reform Pakistan’s corrupt systems. His vision was to
replace entrenched injustices with a transparent and just government, creating a fair society for Pakistan’s 250 million citizens. However, the journey demanded not just leadership but also unwavering public support—a resource that has often wavered in the face of challenges.
The Scourge of Fear and Complacency
Despite his efforts to awaken the nation, Pakistan’s people, journalists, and politicians have largely failed to rise against the oppressive military establishment. Decades of military dominance have instilled a culture of fear and submission. Journalists who dare to speak out face intimidation, imprisonment, or worse. The military’s iron grip on the media ensures that dissenting voices are silenced, leaving only propaganda to dominate public discourse.
Prominent journalists have been reduced to mouthpieces for the establishment, broadcasting narratives that serve the interests of the military while discrediting those who challenge their authority. Media outlets, heavily controlled by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), fear the consequences of independent reporting. This environment has forced many journalists to either conform or face severe repercussions, leaving the public with little access to unbiased information.
Politicians, too, have succumbed to the military’s influence, prioritizing their survival over the country’s well-being. Many have become facilitators of the establishment’s agenda, trading their loyalty for personal gain. This betrayal has further entrenched the military’s dominance, creating an unholy alliance that stifles democracy and perpetuates corruption.
Imran Khan’s Betrayal from Within
While external forces have mounted significant opposition to Khan’s mission, internal betrayals have been equally damaging. Many of Khan’s own party leaders have proven to be opportunistic, using delaying tactics to undermine his campaign and weaken his followers’ resolve. These leaders, instead of mobilizing public support for Khan’s release from unjust imprisonment, have focused on safeguarding their own interests.
No doubt, Mr. Khan’s loyalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) have demonstrated remarkable courage, as seen on November 26, 2024, when many of Khan’s followers were killed and thousands were seriously injured by the police, ISI, and military rangers. Several individuals remain missing to this day. Yet, this resistance alone has not been sufficient. The people of Punjab and Sindh needed to display the same bravery and determination to stand against the weaponized forces of the police and army. Historically, Punjab, in particular, has shown a reluctance to confront corrupt civil and military establishments, as well as political dynasties ruling illegally in the province and federal capital.
The passage of bills increasing parliamentary benefits by up to 200% highlights the self-serving priorities of PTI parliamentarians. While Khan languishes in jail under fabricated charges, his party members have failed to mount a cohesive resistance against the establishment. Their inaction and complacency have allowed the military and its allies to tighten their grip on the nation, eroding the momentum of Khan’s movement.
These betrayals have left Khan isolated, both physically and politically. His core team’s inability to sustain public pressure on the establishment has dampened the revolutionary spirit that once defined his campaign. Instead of rallying the masses, they have chosen to bide their time, hoping for a resolution that requires minimal effort and sacrifice. This strategy not only undermines Khan’s mission but also risks alienating his supporters, who may lose faith in the movement’s ability to bring about meaningful change.
A Nation Held Hostage by Fear
The military’s decades-long dominance has created an environment where dissent is met with brutal suppression. People fear the consequences of speaking out, as the establishment’s track record includes enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and false charges against dissidents. This culture of fear has paralyzed the masses, preventing them from mobilizing against the injustices they endure daily.
Punjab and Sindh, in particular, have shown little inclination to confront the establishment. Historical passivity in the face of crises—from the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan to the atrocities in East Pakistan—reflects a reluctance to demand accountability. This apathy has emboldened the military and political elites, who continue to exploit the nation without fear of reprisal.
The Media’s Complicity
Pakistan’s media, once a beacon of hope for free expression, has become a tool for the establishment. Journalists and editors are coerced into toeing the military’s line, with those who resist facing severe consequences. The ISPR’s control over the narrative ensures that stories of corruption and abuse are buried, while propaganda is amplified.
Social media, despite its potential as a platform for truth, is under constant threat from draconian laws aimed at curbing freedom of expression. The establishment’s efforts to stifle online dissent highlight its fear of an informed and mobilized populace. Yet, even with these restrictions, social media remains a vital lifeline for those seeking to expose the truth and rally support for Khan’s mission.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Betrayal
Despite these challenges, Khan’s movement has achieved significant milestones. His efforts have exposed the systemic corruption that has plagued Pakistan for decades, inspiring millions to dream of a better future. Internationally, his campaign has drawn attention to the country’s plight, forcing global powers to acknowledge the oppressive nature of Pakistan’s establishment.
However, true change requires more than awareness. It demands action from the people of Pakistan, who must overcome their fear and apathy to reclaim their nation. The success of Khan’s mission hinges on the collective courage of a populace willing to challenge the status quo, even at great personal risk.
The Road Ahead
Imran Khan’s struggle is far from over. His imprisonment and the betrayal of his own party members are significant setbacks, but they are not insurmountable. The people of Pakistan have the power to reignite the revolutionary spirit that once defined Khan’s campaign. By uniting against the establishment’s tyranny, they can pave the way for a brighter future.
The stakes have never been higher. Pakistan stands at a crossroads, with one path leading to continued oppression and decay, and the other to freedom and prosperity. The choice lies with the people, who must decide whether to remain silent spectators or become active participants in the fight for their nation’s soul.
In conclusion, while Khan’s mission has inspired hope, its success depends on the courage and resilience of Pakistan’s citizens. The nation’s history of passivity must give way to a new era of activism, where fear is replaced with determination and complacency with action. Only then can Pakistan achieve the transformation it so desperately needs.
(The writer, Syed Atiq ul Hassa, is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and author. He holds the life achievement award by NSW Government. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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