Imran Khan Points Finger at Military's Agenda Against His Party

Previously, Khan had alluded to the involvement of the military in a crackdown against his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, in a recent interview conducted at his residence in Lahore on Saturday night, his remarks were the most straightforward and candid in pointing towards the military's role.

In response to the question about the source of the crackdown, Imran Khan, the former cricket hero, candidly said, ‘It is completely the establishment. Establishment obviously means the military establishment, because they are really now openly—I mean, it’s not even hidden now—they’re just out in the open.’

Despite the military's long-standing dominance in the country, having directly or indirectly governed it for 75 years, it has rarely encountered such a public challenge to its authority as it does from Khan. However, when approached for comment, a spokesperson for the military chose not to respond.

The year-long intense confrontation between Khan, widely regarded as Pakistan's most popular leader based on polls, and the army reached its climax when military installations and properties were reportedly vandalised last month, purportedly by his supporters.

The prevailing political turmoil has escalated the level of uncertainty in the nuclear-armed nation of 220 million people, which is already grappling with financial instability. The country's economy, valued at $350 billion, is facing significant challenges, including the risk of default, surging inflation rates, and a sharp decline in its currency value.

After being briefly arrested, Khan labeled the violent protests that ensued as a "false flag operation" orchestrated with the intention of targeting him.

The authorities have initiated legal proceedings against numerous individuals, including members of Imran Khan's party, who are suspected of being involved in the protests. Surprisingly, these cases are being tried in military courts, typically reserved for military personnel or individuals considered enemies of the state.

‘That’s the only way they are going to get me into prison,’ Khan stated, suggesting that the military aims to prevent his return to power in the upcoming elections scheduled for November.

According to Khan, approximately 150 criminal cases filed against him are baseless and would be dismissed in any civilian court.

He added, ‘So their only hope, and because they are determined to get me out of the way, I think they will, their whole charade of military courts is to imprison me.’