As Imran Khan marks his birthday today, his once-glorious political career is now overshadowed by allegations that he is destabilising Pakistan for personal gains. Once hailed as a symbol of hope and change, Khan is now accused of fostering political chaos in his relentless bid to return to power. What was once a movement for justice and accountability is increasingly viewed as a campaign driven by self-interest.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party rose to prominence during the 2010s, positioning itself as an anti-corruption force. His ascent to power in 2018 was seen as a rejection of Pakistan’s entrenched political elites. However, his response to being ousted in 2022 has triggered a series of events that many believe have pushed Pakistan into a state of unrest and uncertainty. His refusal to accept his removal from office peacefully has deepened political divisions and raised concerns about his commitment to democratic norms.
Political Disruption as a Strategy
Following his removal through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, Khan has consistently chosen a confrontational approach. Instead of accepting the outcome, he has painted himself as the victim of a conspiracy, claiming foreign forces were behind his ousting—a claim that Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies have rejected. Yet, his narrative has galvanised his supporters, resulting in mass protests and unrest, often spiralling into violence, particularly after his brief arrest in May 2023.
According to Dawn, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed concern over Khan’s tactics, stating, “The politics of confrontation and instability will damage the economy and harm the country’s progress.” This sentiment resonates with many analysts who argue that Khan’s approach is more about energising his political base than addressing Pakistan’s genuine issues.
Exploiting National Crises for Political Advantage
Khan’s response to national emergencies has also drawn sharp criticism. When devastating floods hit Pakistan in 2022, displacing millions, Khan continued to prioritise his political battles over relief efforts. Rather than uniting the country, he used the disaster as a platform to criticise the government’s response, deepening the political divide at a time of national crisis.
The International Crisis Group reported that political infighting, driven largely by Khan’s agitation, hindered Pakistan’s response to the humanitarian catastrophe, further complicating relief efforts. Khan’s continued focus on political rallies and confrontation during this time painted a stark picture of a leader more concerned with his personal agenda than national well-being.
As Pakistan’s economic woes escalated, exacerbated by inflation and a depreciating currency, Khan’s agitation only worsened matters. Economist Sakib Sherani remarked, “The prolonged political instability has made it difficult for the government to introduce much-needed reforms. Khan’s agitation has contributed to an environment of uncertainty, deterring investors and making economic recovery even harder.”
This political instability has been a key factor in Pakistan’s economic struggles, with the World Bank recently lowering its growth forecast for the country, citing ongoing instability as a major obstacle.
Undermining Democratic Institutions
Perhaps most troubling is Khan’s increasingly aggressive stance towards Pakistan’s core institutions, including the judiciary and military. Once supported by the military, Khan’s rhetoric has taken a sharply confrontational tone, particularly since his removal from office. His attacks on the judiciary and armed forces have eroded trust in these institutions, weakening the pillars of Pakistan’s democracy.
Political commentator Zahid Hussain, writing for Al Jazeera, noted that Khan’s actions were damaging the already delicate balance between civil and military leadership. “Khan’s continued antagonism toward the military threatens to destabilise key state institutions,” Hussain argued, warning of the long-term consequences of his combative approach.
Khan’s repeated questioning of election results, refusal to accept court rulings, and criticism of the military have raised alarms about the long-term health of Pakistan’s democratic institutions.
Imran Khan’s Legacy: A Leader Divided by Ambition?
As Khan celebrates his birthday, the question of his legacy looms larger than ever. Will he be remembered as the reformer who brought change, or the leader whose personal ambitions divided the country? His political power remains significant, but so does the damage his confrontational style has inflicted on Pakistan’s stability.
At a time when Pakistan needs national unity and strong leadership, many believe Khan’s actions are deepening divisions, rather than healing them. Whether he chooses to moderate his approach or continues down this path of political anarchy will likely define not only his political future but that of Pakistan as well.
