Imran Khan seeks global help for Pakistan's democracy, stability

Islamabad: Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has appealed to the international community, especially the United States, to reaffirm its commitment to democracy, human rights, and regional stability.

Dawn reported that in an article published in Time magazine in his name, the incarcerated politician congratulated US President Donald Trump on his “political comeback.”

He also expressed hope that the US would collaborate with Pakistan to boost economic partnerships, stability and prevent conditions leading to conflict and extremism. However, it's unclear if Khan actually wrote the article and how it was delivered to the magazine.

Imran Khan has expressed concern over Pakistan's "political turmoil" and the erosion of democracy, calling it one of the country's most challenging periods. Khan claims his imprisonment and charges are attempts to silence his democratic advocacy.

Imran Khan emphasised that his fight is about democracy in Pakistan, which affects regional and global stability. He criticised the government for diverting resources from counterterrorism efforts to pursue a political vendetta against his party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

Regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which have seen an uptick in terrorist activity, were neglected in favour of “military campaigns against political opponents.”

The judiciary, Khan alleged, had been reduced to a tool of political persecution.

Speaking on the DawnNews TV show ‘Doosra Rukh' on Saturday, Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Irfan Siddiqui said the PTI was “impossible to predict.” citing their contradictory actions, such as suggesting alliances while calling for civil disobedience, sending letters and publishing “explosive” articles in Time magazine,

Senator Siddiqui stated that talking with the PTI is difficult because their decisions come directly from Imran Khan, without internal discussion or assessment. The PTI relies on Khan's instructions to guide their actions, leaving them uncertain about their next steps until they receive his direction.

“When Imran ordered ‘no more talks', the PTI committee was completely caught off guard,” he said.

Asked if the PTI wanted to continue negotiations despite Imran's instructions, he responded in the affirmative.

“I remember (PTI Chairman) Gohar Ali Khan went to see Imran, and when he returned, there were still three or four days left before the deadline to meet their demands. Still, they said no more talks,” he said.

(inputs from PTI)