Imran Khan’s ouster from office in April 2022 marked the beginning of a turbulent chapter in Pakistani politics. Once the face of hope and change, Khan’s tenure post-ouster has been mired in controversy, missteps, and ill-calculated political gambits. As the former Prime Minister battles to regain his political relevance, five significant blunders have come to define his post-office trajectory.
- Conspiracy Narrative and Foreign Intervention Claims
One of Khan’s first major missteps after his removal was the relentless promotion of a conspiracy narrative, blaming foreign powers—primarily the United States—for orchestrating his downfall. This claim, which he supported with little verifiable evidence, alienated Pakistan’s foreign allies and earned widespread criticism from political analysts. The unsubstantiated allegations not only distanced Pakistan from key international stakeholders but also shifted attention away from his government’s failures in addressing domestic issues. By persisting with this narrative, Khan weakened his credibility both at home and abroad.
- Mismanagement of Party Leadership
Following his removal, Khan’s leadership within his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), became increasingly authoritarian. He sidelined senior party members who had been instrumental in PTI’s rise, replacing them with less experienced loyalists. This centralised style of leadership stifled internal debate, resulting in a series of poorly executed political decisions. The exodus of seasoned political allies left PTI in a weakened state, lacking the strategic foresight it once had. Khan’s inability to effectively manage the party post-ouster is a key reason for PTI’s current disarray.
- Escalating Confrontation with State Institutions
Khan’s increasingly confrontational stance towards state institutions, particularly the judiciary and the military, has been another critical mistake. His public criticism of the military, which was once a key supporter of his rise to power, and his ongoing feud with the judiciary over perceived biases have further isolated him from the establishment. This antagonistic approach has fuelled instability and has made it difficult for him to forge alliances with powerful institutions that have traditionally played a decisive role in Pakistan’s political landscape. By positioning himself against the very forces that could aid his political comeback, Khan has severely limited his strategic options.
- Mishandling the May 9 Protests
Perhaps the most damaging event in Khan’s post-ouster journey was the mishandling of the May 9 protests. Following his arrest, PTI supporters launched violent demonstrations across the country, targeting military installations and state symbols. While Khan later distanced himself from the vandalism, his leadership’s role in inflaming tensions leading up to the protests cannot be ignored. His failure to condemn the attacks on sensitive military sites immediately and unequivocally was seen as tacit approval of the violence, further souring his relationship with the establishment. May 9 proved to be a turning point, with many within the military and civil institutions viewing Khan as a destabilising figure rather than a legitimate political leader. The aftermath of these protests led to widespread arrests, the loss of PTI’s standing, and irreparable damage to Khan’s political reputation.
- Failure to Provide a Clear Economic Alternative
One of the most glaring shortcomings of Khan’s post-ouster political strategy has been his failure to present a coherent economic alternative to Pakistan’s ongoing crises. His speeches have largely focused on vague promises of self-reliance and anti-corruption, with little substance in terms of policy detail. This failure to address pressing economic issues, such as inflation, unemployment, and debt, has alienated large sections of the population, who are more concerned with immediate economic relief than with abstract political rhetoric. Without a concrete plan to stabilise Pakistan’s economy, Khan’s appeal as a leader of change has rapidly diminished.
Imran Khan’s journey since his ouster has been marked by significant political blunders. His reliance on conspiracy theories, mismanagement of party leadership, confrontations with state institutions, the May 9 violence, and his failure to provide an economic blueprint have all contributed to his current political struggles. While he once embodied hope for a better Pakistan, Khan’s actions post-office suggest a leader who is increasingly out of touch with the realities of governance and public sentiment. Whether he can recover from these missteps remains to be seen, but for now, his future looks uncertain at best.
