03 July 2023

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Imran Khan, Pakistan's former ousted prime minister, a cricketer turned politician's entry into Pakistan's national politics relied heavily on ceaseless digital propaganda that aimed to assassinate the character of all politicians, portraying them as highly corrupt. In contrast, Imran Khan presented himself as a savior, a paragon of cleanliness, likening himself to figures such as Mandela, Gandhi, and even Pakistan's founding father, Jinnah, through his social media campaigns.

However, over his tenure of around nine years in the province of KPK and over four years in the federal government and province of Punjab, Imran Khan was accused of being incompetent, corrupt, a liar, a fraud, and displaying fascist tendencies. From the moment he was elected Prime Minister in August 2018, he demonstrated a non-serious and anti-democratic approach, openly opposing dialogue with politicians to address national issues as well as destroying nation's morals.

Despite extensive propaganda touting him as the 'most favored national leader', various events exposed the hollowness of this claim. His failed civil dis-obedience campaign in 2014, his unsuccessful procession to capture Islamabad from KPK with a meager number of supporters, and inspite of taking oath in over 60 public gatherings across the country from large gatherings for participating in march towards Islamabad, with limited participants in his failed march, all questioned the depth of his popular support.

In the 2018 national general elections, it is alleged that the power-hungry military generals with the support of corrupt judges and civil bureaucracy installed Imran Khan as their front man and the 'third strong' political power in the country. The bureaucracy offered various forms of support, both legitimate and illegal, including assistance from corrupt judiciary members, but their efforts were in vain. Imran Khan's inability to form an efficient team, coupled with bad governance and a fascist attitude, embarrassed the bureaucracy and allied political parties, leading to the breakdown of the political alliance and the fall of his government in April 2022.

Influenced by his party's social media campaign, Imran Khan, seemingly believing he enjoyed unconditional support from the masses, made several blunders, including political campaigns against military chief appointment, the appointment of the premier intelligence agency chief, judicial reference against the incoming Chief Justice of Pakistan; brought face to face provincial police forces to clash with federal forces, war against Pakistan on 9th May 2023 expedition challenging the integrity of the nuclear country, and on it's defense capabilities and safety.

Earlier than 9th May's expedition, Imran Khan's actions took a number of severe and extreme turn when he instigated his supporters to attack police personnel at his residence with petrol bombs, burning and damaging of police vehicles,  severe injuries to the law enforcement personnels, revenge threats and embarrassing the judiciary system could not awake the government for prompt legal action. Criminal delay in decision making for bringing the culprits to justice  encouraged criminal minded Imran Khan to give call for planned attacks on sensitive installations, properties and even memorials of those who sacrificed their lives in defence of their motherland - which no nation on earth can tolerate.

Pakistani nation is surprised and confused why the planners and facilitators along with Imran Khan seemed to enjoy impunity from both the courts and the sitting government till date inspite of raising war against Pakistan, criminal and mega corruption charges.

Recent announcement in a press conference by Pakistan's ISPR Director General on sacking of 102 military personnel and severe punishment to some of their near family members including one Lt. General, three major generals and seven brigadiers indeed has re-built strong confidence among the nation on swift action taken by the armed forces within the institution. It has sent a clear message of severe action and zero tolerance to all those involved in civil services and among general public in 9th May terrorist attacks.

However, delay in punishment according to the constitution and military laws to the planners and facilitators of 9th May 2023 mayhem to face the justice timely on part of the government is creating confusion and questions.

The person behind 9th May mayhem, disgraced Imran Khan, former cricketer turned politician and ousted Prime Minister of Pakistan is still seen 'addressing' his supporters with non-stop charges on government and institutions on daily basis through social media and is seen living freely.