”Was Imran Khan brought to power by the establishment in the 2018 election? What distinguishes Khan from Nawaz Sharif and Zardari? What could be the decisive step?“

[Article written by Sabee Kazmi]

Many journalists and political parties, particularly the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) and PPP (Pakistan People’s Party), have accused the establishment of influencing the 2018 election to help Imran Khan and his party, PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), come to power. These claims, while persistent, are only half-truths. Half-truths can often be more dangerous than outright lies, much like the assertion that Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, and Imran Khan are all the same. What is often overlooked is the role of the electorate in empowering these leaders.

While the establishment may not have interfered directly in the voting process, their influence was evident in the formation of the government after the election. Even Imran Khan himself later admitted that PTI might not have been ready to govern at that time. Yet, PTI’s victory was not solely due to establishment support; they won the 2018 election largely through widespread public backing .

The notion that PTI won due to systematic rigging is unfounded. Any irregularities that occurred were isolated and not driven by the establishment. You won’t find credible statements from PTI leaders claiming the election was won through external manipulation . However, there are documented cases, such as Khawaja Asif’s 2018 election loss in which he himself claimed manipulation occurred late at night to ensure his defeat .

In contrast, there were constituencies where PTI was deliberately kept from winning, with around 18 to 25 seats being closely contested and affected by irregularities . To secure the formation of the government, the establishment brokered alliances between PTI and parties like the MQM and independent candidates, providing just enough support for Khan to form a coalition government. This allowed the establishment to maintain a level of control, ensuring they could withdraw support if needed.

Evidence of the establishment’s role post-election can be seen in several incidents. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Prime Minister from PML-N, met with General Bajwa a few months after the election to discuss Pakistan’s economic situation, despite publicly claiming that Khan was installed by the establishment . Furthermore, Punjab’s government changed hands multiple times, illustrating the shifting power dynamics during Khan’s tenure.

By 2021, Imran Khan’s relations with the establishment began to deteriorate, particularly as international dynamics shifted after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The U.S. viewed Khan with skepticism, largely due to his independent stance on regional affairs . The establishment used this tension to orchestrate a no-confidence motion against Khan, leveraging opposition parties and exploiting internal divisions within PTI.

Despite this, the establishment severely underestimated Khan’s popularity. Following his ousting, Khan’s rallies drew massive crowds, revealing public discontent with the status quo and a desire for change . The economy continued to falter under the succeeding government, which struggled to manage the crises at hand.

This resilience distinguishes Imran Khan from leaders like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari. While previous leaders either fled the country or compromised when faced with political pressure, Khan has stood firm, refusing to back down. His aim is to restore the rule of law and democracy in Pakistan, a stance that has earned him widespread support .

If Imran Khan succeeds in his efforts, Pakistan could emerge stronger, moving towards a future defined by accountability and governance reform. However, failure could push Pakistan into further political instability and economic decay, resembling nations like Somalia or North Korea, where progress in every sector—be it sports, economy, politics, or justice—remains stifled .

At this pivotal moment, the future of Pakistan lies in the hands of its people. Khan’s latest calls to action could represent the last opportunity to change the country’s trajectory. The powerful elite, meanwhile, continue to seek more time to solidify their control. As Khan makes his final appeals to the public, urging them to resist this entrenched system, Pakistanis must reflect on the crossroads before them and pray for mercy and guidance.

References:

“The 2018 General Elections: PTI’s Path to Power,” Dawn, 2018.
Ahmed, S., The Rise of PTI: Imran Khan’s Political Journey, Karachi: Oxford Press, 2021.
“Imran Khan on Rigging Allegations,” The News International, 2019.
“Khawaja Asif’s Claims of Electoral Manipulation,” The Express Tribune, 2018.
Khan, A., Inside the 2018 Election: A Political Chronicle, Lahore: Vanguard Books, 2020.
“Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Establishment Relations,” Geo News, 2020.
“US-Pakistan Relations After Afghanistan Withdrawal,” Al Jazeera, 2021.
“Imran Khan’s Rally: A Show of Strength,” BBC, 2022.
The Imran Khan Phenomenon, Islamabad: IPS Publications, 2023.
“Political and Economic Instability in Pakistan: A Case Study,” Brookings Institute, 2023