Pakistan’s powerful military establishment is reportedly preparing a stringent response to the persistent defiance of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Sources suggest that despite numerous attempts at dialogue, Khan has remained unyielding, leading to growing concern and frustration within the army ranks. The military is particularly unsettled by the strong public support Imran Khan and his party, the PTI, continue to enjoy.
Recent meetings between army officials and Khan have reportedly failed to achieve any breakthrough. The army is now contemplating a significant escalation, potentially including a ban on the PTI or urging the government to press treason charges against Khan.
To justify these potential actions, the army is reportedly working to portray Imran Khan as a threat to national security. This strategy involves highlighting his access to classified information during his time as Prime Minister and suggesting he is mentally unfit to be entrusted with national secrets. The aim is to discredit him and create a public narrative that supports punitive measures.
Khan’s rejection of offers for safe passage and asylum abroad has reportedly intensified the army’s frustration, pushing them towards more drastic measures. This refusal to compromise has put the military in a difficult position.
The army is also reportedly blaming Imran Khan for the current security challenges, including the resurgence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and the complicated relationship with the Afghan Taliban. They allege that policies enacted during Khan’s administration facilitated the return and settlement of TTP militants, leading to a significant increase in terror attacks and ongoing border clashes.
Political analysts observing Pakistan suggest that the establishment finds Imran Khan increasingly difficult to manage. With negotiations repeatedly failing and Khan remaining defiant, the army is reportedly exploring extreme options. However, experts caution that drastic actions like treason trials or banning his party could inflame public sentiment.
Khan’s broad public appeal, bolstered by his status as a national sports hero, means that any severe crackdown could lead to widespread public protests that would be challenging for the establishment to control. Despite these risks, the establishment appears determined to move against Khan. They are reportedly planning to use arguments related to international pressure, including alleged US dissatisfaction stemming from Khan’s accusations of foreign interference in his ouster, and damaged relations with China over comments on the CPEC project. A case is reportedly being built against Khan, focusing on accusations of reviving the TTP, poor foreign policy decisions, and mental instability that poses a risk to national security.