In 2014, PTI joined hands with Tahir Ul Qadri to launch a historic long march, supported by dedicated followers of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), culminating in a sit-in at Islamabad’s red security zones. The alleged involvement of the Establishment in this alliance, despite stark ideological differences, aimed to unsettle and ultimately oust the PML(N) government.
Now by another turn of history, the PTI while remaining the same, is endeavoring to replace PAT with other religious far right parties, the JUI and JI. Unlike the PTI and PAT situation, which was orchestrated allegedly with the active, willing and strong support of the Establishment, now PTI, JUI and JI have lost the support of Establishment and are now at their own. Their marriage is on one point agenda; to protest against massive pre-poll and post poll rigging which was so blatant and uncreative that a few declared winners compelled by their conscience, forgo their seats in favor of actual winners. please refine with clarity
Since its ouster in April 2022, PTI is facing severe backlash. His fiery accusations against the armed forces institutions further fueled tensions, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment and a severe and harsh crackdown on PTI leaders, workers and supporters. The party was left fractured, with key leaders either departing politics or going underground. This tumultuous period underscores the intense power struggles within Pakistan’s political landscape.
In the run-up to the 2024 elections, the state machinery, in tandem with the establishment, launched a relentless assault on PTI. Employing every tactic imaginable, they sought to decimate the party through rampant pre-poll rigging. PTI’s chairman faced imprisonment in three cases, with his Nikah even deemed illegal, a symbolic blow aimed at extinguishing his political career. Stripped of its election symbol, PTI found itself fighting an uphill battle, to keep its supporters intact, and prevent them from confusion and disillusion due to scores of symbols.
Yet, in the face of adversity, Imran Khan remained resolute. Despite enduring harsh conditions behind bars, he exemplified unwavering dedication to PTI’s principles and vision. His unshakeable faith in the Pakistani people and trust in Allah served as a shield against the barrage of negative propaganda unleashed by traditional and social media channels. Remarkably, amidst the chaos, his popularity only continued to surge, with each passing day strengthening the bond between him and the people.
This narrative underscores the indomitable spirit of PTI and its leader, refusing to yield in the face of systemic oppression. It speaks to the power of perseverance, conviction, and the enduring belief in a better future for Pakistan.
In the face of adversity, IK’s unwavering moral compass breathed new life into a truncated and weakened PTI. Despite over 200 cases against its chairman and leadership in hiding, PTI fought back vigorously, conducting social media campaigns amid internet slowdowns and physical campaign restrictions.
Although workers and supporters refrained from street protests, their frustration simmered until February 8th, 2024, when they unleashed their pent-up indignation at the ballot box. The unexpectedly high voter turnout surprised both the establishment and PTI itself.
As election results poured in from 7 pm onwards, a clear trend emerged by 11 pm: PTI was sweeping across the country, securing decisive victories in Punjab, KP, and Islamabad. Even prominent PML(N) leaders faced heavy defeats in their own constituencies. PTI’s unstoppable momentum marked a turning point in Pakistani politics.
In a pivotal moment, a commando action allegedly unfolded under the interim government’s pretext of internet issues, halting and altering election results in favor of PML(N), MQM, and even Jamaat-e-Islami through systemic rigging.
Despite this, PTI emerged as the largest single national party in KP, though falling short of a simple majority in the Centre and Punjab, while PTI claimed a simple majority in both. These heavily manipulated elections couldn’t stop Prisoner 804, isolated from the world for months and facing multiple incarcerations, from ascending as one of the nation’s foremost leaders. Both PML(N) and PPP, scared of his formidable power, are shying away from taking power in the center and are more inclined to secure themselves in the province of Punjab and Sindh.
His resilience showcased the supremacy of ideology and character over brute state power. He’s a rare prisoner whose presence commands court hearings to come to him, not the other way around. Agencies like FIA and NAB seek him out, highlighting his influence even while incarcerated. Despite victimization, he stands as a guardian of the nation’s economic, financial, and law enforcement security.
He emerged as a leader unwavering in principle, even at the cost of his freedom and the government. Despite tempting offers to form alliances with PPP and MQM, he refused, prioritizing integrity over convenience, rejecting the easy path to power in exchange for his beliefs.
Instead, he blessed coalitions with JUI, JI, PPP Aftab Sherpao, PK of Mehmood Achakzai, and possibly GDA, uniting on the singular agenda of reclaiming stolen seats. His call for nationwide protests on February 17th defied establishment threats, echoing Punjab’s Interim Chief Minister’s warnings of severe crackdowns akin to the 9th of May incident. Yet, this time, the potential participation of JUI, JI, PK, and GDA may deter such actions.
PTI, having learned from past events, adopts a new strategic approach. Emphasizing peaceful protest, they refrain from challenging the establishment, instead advocating for ceasefires. Through constitutional and legal avenues, they seek to reclaim lost ground without resorting to violence, prepared to deny the establishment any pretext for repression.
In a significant shift, PTI’s leadership is now predominantly from KP province, contrasting with the past dominance of Punjab leaders. The reason is clear: Punjab leaders proved themselves cowardly, abandoning the party, turning state witnesses against IK, or spewing venom on traditional and social media. Conversely, KP PTI workers, barring a few exceptions, remained steadfast, even enduring imprisonment, business losses, and torture.
Imran Khan’s leadership shone brightly amid adversity. He transformed traitorous acts into opportunities, replacing cowardly leaders with loyal, resilient workers who defied state oppression with unwavering loyalty. The strategic move to replace establishment-backed electables with educated, committed middle-class workers yielded unprecedented success in the 2024 elections.
Undeterred and resolute, Imran Khan, along with PTI and its supporters, stands prepared to embark on another arduous journey to reclaim what they perceive as their stolen mandate. Whether with the support of JUI or JI or standing alone, they are committed to utilizing constitutional and legal avenues, as well as peaceful protests, to challenge the status quo. Despite knowing the formidable resistance they’ll face from the state apparatus, particularly in securing a simple majority in the center and in Punjab, both Imran Khan and PTI appear poised to embrace this calculated risk with determination and resolve.
Writer is Press Secretary to the President(Rtd),Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France ,Former MD, SRBC.