Hunza city

Free Imran Khan: The Establishment, the Prison, and the Struggle for Democracy

Imran Khan, once celebrated as Pakistan’s cricketing hero and later as its elected Prime Minister, now finds himself behind bars—a powerful symbol of the growing tensions between popular politics and entrenched power structures in the country. His incarceration raises urgent questions about the role of Pakistan’s establishment in political engineering, suppression of dissent, and the fragility of democratic institutions.

The Shadow of the Establishment

In Pakistan’s political landscape, the term “establishment” typically refers to a blend of military influence, intelligence agencies, and elite bureaucratic circles that have historically shaped, managed, and in many cases, overturned civilian governments. While not officially recognized as a constitutional body, the establishment wields immense power from behind the scenes.

For decades, no civilian leader in Pakistan has been able to rule without navigating this hidden, yet dominating force. When Imran Khan rose to power in 2018, many observers noted a perceived alignment between his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the establishment. However, that uneasy alliance began to unravel as Khan’s government took independent stances on foreign policy, civil-military relations, and internal accountability.

His eventual removal from office via a no-confidence vote in 2022—and the wave of legal cases that followed—appeared less like a coincidence and more like a message: defy the establishment at your own peril.

The Politics of Incarceration

Since his ousting, Imran Khan has been the target of an unprecedented legal onslaught. Dozens of cases, ranging from corruption charges to sedition and even terrorism-related accusations, have been filed against him. The speed, volume, and at times questionable legal basis of these charges have led many to believe that this is not simply about law enforcement—it is about neutralizing a political rival.

The prison that now holds Khan is more than a place of confinement; it is a symbol of political suppression. His arrest was followed by a systematic dismantling of PTI through arrests of senior leaders, curbs on media coverage, and bans on political rallies. Supporters have been harassed, and many forced to denounce their loyalty under pressure.

In this environment, fair trial and judicial independence seem elusive. The judiciary itself, often seen as compromised or under pressure, has offered limited resistance to the establishment’s heavy-handed approach.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Khan’s popularity, however, remains remarkably resilient. Despite being removed from power and silenced by imprisonment, his narrative of resistance against “behind-the-scenes” manipulation continues to resonate with millions of Pakistanis, particularly the youth and urban middle class. The call to “free Imran Khan” is not just a demand for the release of a political figure—it’s a cry for democratic integrity, rule of law, and civilian supremacy.

Pakistan today stands at a crossroads. It can continue down the path of authoritarian control masked by democratic processes, or it can choose to strengthen its institutions by allowing true political competition and respecting the will of the people.

Conclusion

Imran Khan’s imprisonment is not just about one man—it reflects a deeper crisis in Pakistan’s democratic journey. Until the cycle of establishment interference and political victimization ends, no leader—regardless of their popularity or electoral mandate—will be truly free. Releasing Khan, allowing him a fair political space, and holding free and transparent elections would be a step toward healing the nation and restoring faith in democracy.

The world watches closely, but more importantly, Pakistanis do. The path the country takes now will define its political soul for years to come.

Aik aawaz thi jo dilaon mein ghar kar gayi,
Sitam ke andheron mein bhi roshni bhar gayi.
Jis ne jhukna na seekha, haq ka nara ban gaya,
Woh Imran Khan tha, hai, aur sadaa rahega.