In a striking turn of events, Imran Khan, once hailed as the favoured figure of Pakistan’s influential military, faced a double blow with consecutive court verdicts this week.
The sentencing unfolded with precision—10 years on Tuesday and an additional 14 years on Wednesday—hinting at a concerted effort to keep Khan out of the upcoming general election scheduled for next week.
According to The Guardian, this scenario draws parallels with the political landscape of 2018, where Khan, eyeing the position of prime minister, witnessed his predecessor Nawaz Sharif fall from grace, entangled in corruption charges, just days before the election.
Fast forward to the present, and the dynamics have reversed. Khan, now a vocal critic of the military, finds himself incarcerated, while Sharif, having mended ties with the military, paves a seemingly unimpeded path back to power amid accusations of pre-poll rigging.
Since his ousting in April 2022, orchestrated through a widely acknowledged military-backed vote of no confidence, Khan's critique of the military's influence on Pakistani politics has been unprecedented.
However, his resistance has faced insurmountable challenges given the military's firm control. Khan's arrest in August signalled the military's unwavering commitment to sideline him and dismantle his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The recent court proceedings, occurring within the confines of the jail where Khan is held, dispensed with any semblance of due judicial process. Lawyers were denied the opportunity to select or cross-examine witnesses.
The PTI, subject to a substantial crackdown, witnessed the shutdown of rallies and a near-ban on coverage by news channels, rendering it a mere shadow of its former self, despite maintaining significant voter support.
Observers view Khan's dual convictions as a testament to the upcoming elections' credibility crisis, pushing Pakistan backwards on its already tumultuous democratic journey.
The military's visible role in "managing" the election, despite claims of apolitical involvement, has eroded any semblance of a fair electoral contest, with political parties barely presenting manifestos.
Within Pakistan's voter base, which still holds reverence for Khan, sentiments of anger and apathy prevail. Yet, the prevailing notion remains constant: in the realm of Pakistani politics, substantial change remains elusive.
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